Amapá will have an atypical November with high temperatures and persistent drought, says meteorologist

Amapá faces an atypical November, marked by temperatures of up to 38°C, air humidity close to desert levels, around 30%, and a prolonged drought.

The climatic combination keeps municipalities such as Calçoene, Oiapoque and Mazagão on high alert for the increase in hot spots and fires.

The alert was made by meteorologist Jefferson Vilhena, from the Hydrometeorology and Renewable Energy Center of the Institute of Scientific and Technological Research of the State of Amapá (Nhmet-Iepa).

According to the expert, the scenario differs from the years considered normal, a period in which changes in the rainfall regime used to cease at the end of October and beginning of November.

"The month of November is the one that historically records the most hot spots and fires. Therefore, our attention is redoubled", pointed out the meteorologist, highlighting that the effects of the El Niño phenomenon are extending the drought for longer in the state.

The usual average temperatures for this time of year vary between 34°C and 34.5°C. However, Iepa monitoring stations recorded peaks of up to 38°C in inland municipalities, such as Calçoene and Oiapoque.

Despite being well above the historical average, the indices still do not formally constitute a heat wave, as explained by Vilhena.

Although November traditionally marks the end of the dry period in the region, climate models indicate that the dry pattern will continue.

The forecast points to the possibility of quick isolated rain showers in urban centers and inland areas, but insufficient to reverse the situation.

Meteorologists' expectation is that temperatures will begin to gradually decrease throughout the month, although the prolongation of the drought continues to require constant monitoring by environmental agencies and Civil Defense throughout the state.