Very strong El Niño in Santa Catarina: risks of rain and tornadoes

Santa Catarina issues alert for very strong El Niño in 2026. Find out the risks of storms, tornadoes and how to receive Civil Defense alerts.

Very strong El Niño in Santa Catarina: risks of rain and tornadoes

TL;DR

  • El Niño classification in Santa Catarina elevated to 'very strong' intensity.
  • Pacific Ocean temperature anomaly reached 2.2°C, meeting the threshold for very strong El Niño.
  • State anticipates increased storm frequency, higher-than-average rainfall, and severe weather risks in October and November 2026.
  • Impact severity is not solely determined by El Niño strength, but also by other climate factors.
  • Civil Defense provides 24-hour monitoring and free SMS alerts for residents.
  • Recommendations for seeking shelter during storms and staying informed are provided.