La Niña is expected to continue into the summer: increased rain is expected in Rio Grande do Sul

For the coming months, there is a probability that La Niña conditions will persist, which should contribute to an increase in rainfall in the summer. This is what the bulletin for January, February and March 2021 from the Permanent Council of Applied Agrometeorology of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Copaaergs) indicates. The forecasts presented for the quarter are the result of the Regional Climatological Model implemented at the Center for Meteorological Research and Forecasts (CPMet/UFPel) and the model from the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET).

The forecast indicates rainfall for the month of January slightly above the climatological standard for the entire State. For the month of February, the forecast is for irregular rainfall with values ​​close to the climatological standard. For March, rainfall is expected to be slightly below the standard in the southwest of the State and close to the climatological standard in the other regions. Temperatures are expected to be above the climatological standard throughout the quarter in Rio Grande do Sul.

“It is important to highlight that the forecast of average or slightly above-average rainfall in the January/February/March 2021 quarter does not necessarily mean that possible dry periods will not occur”, warns Copaaergs coordinator, Loana Cardoso.

According to the researcher, the bulletin says that there is a tendency for rain to have an irregular temporal and spatial distribution, that is, sequences of days without rain may occur, and when they do occur, they may be localized, of high intensity and in short periods. . “Furthermore, it is important to consider that the forecast of above-average temperatures indicates an increase in evaporative demand from the atmosphere and consequently an increase in water demand from crops.”

The Copaaergs bulletin is prepared every three months by Agrometeorology specialists from 14 state and federal public entities linked to agriculture or climate. The document also lists a series of technical guidelines for cultures of the period:

Technical guidelines for crops

Rice

Bean

Corn

Soybean

Vegetables

fruit growing