Snow is recorded in the Serra Gaúcha and Serra Catarinense

On the morning of this Thursday (29), the forecast of the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) was confirmed. The occurrence of snow was recorded in the municipalities of São José dos Ausentes, in Rio Grande do Sul, and São Joaquim, in Santa Catarina.

The phenomenon occurred due to the combination of an intense mass of cold air of polar origin with the humidity available in the region, creating the ideal conditions for the formation of snowflakes. Temperatures remained below 2°C in the early hours of the day, with values ​​reaching 0°C at the São José dos Ausentes meteorological station at 9 am, favoring the freezing of moisture in the clouds and allowing the flakes to reach the ground.

During the phenomenon, residents and visitors were able to observe small flakes and intermittent snow showers, which accumulated slightly on roofs, vegetation and vehicles, according to an institutional video made by the Inmet team that was at the São José dos Ausentes station at the time.

Not so common in Brazil, snow occurs more frequently in higher altitude regions of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, mainly in episodes of advancing air masses of polar origin, which tend to be more intense.

The institute's forecast had already indicated intense cold since the beginning of the week, with warnings of falling temperatures and a chance of snow in the highest areas of Serra Gaúcha and Catarinense.

Other municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul, mainly in the mountainous area, recorded low temperatures this Thursday (29). According to Inmet, until 8 am today, in cities such as Vacaria and Cambará do Sul, the minimums were 1,9°C and 2,1°C, respectively.

Minimum temperatures are expected to drop even further this Friday (30), ranging between 1°C and -5°C, which will favor the occurrence of widespread frost in the states of the Southern Region. The frost condition, even if localized and less intense, should also cover areas of Mato Grosso do Sul, São Paulo, southern Goiás, Triângulo and southern Minas Gerais.