Rain forecast for the Lower Amazon does not end the dry period, warns Inmet

Rain is expected to hit the Lower Amazon region in the next few days, but it will not end the dry period — Photo: Reproduction/Rede Social

Municipalities in the Lower Amazon are under alert for intense rain this Tuesday (29), according to the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet). The warning predicts rain of between 20 and 30 millimeters per hour or up to 50 millimeters throughout the day, in addition to winds of 40 to 60 km/h. There is a low risk of flooding, falling branches, interruption in power supply and electrical discharges.

The alert includes municipalities such as Alenquer, Almeirim and others in the Lower Amazon region. The forecast comes after days of drought and high temperatures, when some cities in the region have already recorded isolated rain showers, while Santarém is still facing a period of little precipitation.

According to meteorologist Lucas Schwarcz, from the Federal University of Western Pará (Ufopa), areas of instability that were forming in the north of South America began to approach the region. Last week, these instabilities caused rain in Oriximiná. In recent days, they have come closer to municipalities such as Belterra, Mojuí dos Campos, Alenquer and Monte Alegre.

In Santarém, however, the rain has not yet reached the same intensity.

"The Santarém region has not yet been impacted. What could happen between tonight and early Tuesday morning is that some rain showers could happen here in the region", explained the meteorologist.

The occurrence of rain, however, does not mean that the drought has come to an end. According to Lucas Schwarcz, the expected showers should be quick and isolated, and may even occur in some areas and not in others.

Rain does not end dry period

The Lower Amazon is still in the driest period of the year. According to the meteorologist, the action of El Niño contributes to the reduction of cloud formation and rain in the region.

Therefore, even if there are showers in the coming days, the tendency is for the dry period to continue.

"Any rain that falls does not mark the end of this dry period. It only indicates that rain has occurred due to this weather system from the north of South America that is approaching us", he explained.

Drought also keeps the risk of forest fires high. The vegetation is dry after around two months without any rain considered effective in the Santarém region.

The meteorologist warns that even small fires can get out of control in these conditions.

“A small fire can spread to a larger fire due to the vegetation being very dry,” he said.

Air quality may continue to be impaired

In addition to the risk of fires, the lack of rain has a direct impact on air quality. According to the Ufopa researcher, the Santarém region has been recording an increase in the concentration of atmospheric aerosols, mainly related to smoke from fires.

Part of this material can be transported by winds from other areas of the Amazon to western Pará.

A rain, even a quick one, can temporarily improve air quality by removing part of these particles from the atmosphere. However, the effect tends to be limited if precipitation remains isolated.

River levels should continue to fall

The rain forecast is also unlikely to be enough to immediately restore river levels in the region.

According to Lucas Schwarcz, the expectation is that the rivers will continue to decrease over the next few weeks, as October is still expected to record little rain.

"The expectation is that river levels will continue to fall. We still have a very dry period of October for the river to fall," he explained.

Therefore, the occurrence of rain in municipalities in the Lower Amazon in the coming days should be seen as a specific change in weather conditions, and not as the end of the drought.

Recommendations

Inmet advises that, during gusts of wind, the population avoids staying under trees and not parking vehicles near transmission towers and advertising signs.

It is also recommended to avoid using electronic devices plugged directly into the socket during storms.

In case of emergency, the advice is to call Civil Defense by calling 199 or the Fire Department by calling 193.

VIDEOS: most viewed from g1 Santarém and Region