In a stifling heatwave, Brazil has recorded its hottest ever temperature: 44.8C (112.6F).
This record temperature was the town of Araçuaí. The government agency said Araçuaí’s high of 44.8C had beaten the country’s previous record of 44.7C, measured in 2005.
Forecasters say some of the heat is likely to ease this week. The unprecedented weather has been attributed to the El Niño phenomenon, during which time global temperatures typically increase, and climate change. The heat has seen red alerts issued across the country, a month before the beginning of summer in the southern hemisphere. Brazil’s energy consumption has soared to record levels as people try to keep themselves cool.
Official research released two weeks ago showed that the average temperature in the country had been above the historical average from July to October, notes the BBC.
The high temperatures led to Taylor Swift cancelling one of her concerts in Rio de Janeiro after a fan fell ill and died before a show on Friday.
