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Brazil is currently experiencing a scorching heatwave, with Rio de Janeiro recording a ‘feels like’ temperature of a staggering 62.3 degrees, according to local weather service Alerta Rio. This figure is the highest since the service began its measurements in 2014. The record was noted at the Guaratiba weather station.

The ‘feels like’ temperature takes into account factors such as humidity. Alerta Rio reported the actual maximum temperature on the day as 42 degrees. Due to the hot weather, the famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches were entirely filled with people.

Heatwave to Continue

The high temperatures are expected to continue in the region over the coming days, with forecasts predicting temperatures of 39 or 40 degrees. Warnings for high temperatures have been issued in various parts of the country by the authorities.

Meanwhile, the southern part of the country is facing the opposite extreme with heavy rainfall. More severe rain and storms are expected in the south of the country in the coming week.

Extreme Temperatures Recorded Elsewhere

Extreme high temperatures are not only being recorded in South America. In Morocco, the city of Agadir recently reported an unusual temperature of 37.7 degrees. This follows a heat record broken in February with 36.6 degrees in the south.

Last year, the city broke a record on August 11 when the temperature reached 54.4 degrees. The country has been grappling with a period of intense drought for several months, threatening the agriculture sector.

According to Le Monde in January, the Al-Massira dam, the country’s second-largest water reservoir located 120 kilometers north of Marrakech, is currently dry.