Above-average rains raise the level of the Pardo River in Ribeirão Preto and generate concern among residents

The above-average rainfall recorded in September caused the level of the Rio Pardo to rise in the region of Ribeirão Preto (SP). The water approached the banks and began to worry ranch residents.

Considering measurements from 7am between September 1st and 17th, the monitoring ruler installed in a club close to the riverbank showed that the average level of the Rio Pardo was approximately 0.95 centimeters in September 2026, compared to 0.66 centimeters in the same period in 2025. The average difference is around 29 centimeters.

Monitoring works as an early warning. When the ruler indicates a rapid rise in the water level after periods of rain, the risk of flooding or overflows increases, especially in lower areas.

Business consultant Luciano Justino Pereira, who lives in the region, says that the river level is actually higher than what is usually recorded at this time of year.

"It's different than usual. Generally, in September, it's a little lower. It stays at the level it is now, generally, in January, February, it's higher."

Rio Pardo brand ruler measuring 95 cm — Photo: Reproduction/EPTV

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Above average rainfall

According to Climatempo, in September, Ribeirão Preto recorded 100 millimeters of rain. The volume represents around 44% more than the historical average for the month, which is 69 millimeters.

The increase in the volume of rain contributed to the rise in the level of the Pardo River and keeps residents who live or have properties close to the banks on alert.

Aerial image of Rio Pardo — Photo: Reproduction/EPTV

Businessman Cícero Magalhães monitors the rise of the river daily and says he needs to remove or elevate furniture and other objects from the property as the water advances.

“The ramp, I monitor it daily and every time I come here, when it is going up, it reaches a point where I have to move the furniture up too.”

According to Cícero, the level that the river could reach in the coming weeks depends on the volume of rain recorded in the region. He says he has already lost objects and animals in a flood in February this year, when the river reached 2.10 meters.

"In the past I lost everything I have in here, refrigerator, television, I lost everything. Including my creations, because we weren't prepared and it caught us off guard."

Flood of the Rio Pardo in front of the Clube de Regatas in Ribeirão Preto, SP — Photo: Jefferson Severiano Neves/EPTV

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