A heat wave in southern Brazil led five cities in Rio Grande do Sul to suspend classes due to temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius. This reflects a larger trend of climate-related school interruptions, with experts indicating that heat waves could become a new norm.
On Thursday, five cities in southern Brazil, specifically in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, suspended classes due to an intense heat wave. Authorities reported that temperatures soared to as high as 36 degrees Celsius in some areas, prompting concern regarding the lack of proper facilities in schools to cope with the extreme conditions. Classes are anticipated to resume on Monday.
The National Institute of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning affecting Rio Grande do Sul and four additional states in Brazil, with temperatures noted to exceed the monthly average by up to 5 degrees Celsius. In the past year, extreme weather events have impacted at least 1.17 million children across Brazil, primarily due to floods and droughts, as reported by UNESCO in January.
Daniel Cara, an education policy researcher from the University of Sao Paulo, highlighted that schools have previously closed during the dry season due to wildfire risks or water shortages. He noted that class cancellations prompted by extreme heat are increasingly becoming routine. “This is going to be the new normal,” he stated concerning the influence of climate issues on the academic calendar.
This summer has marked a period of extreme temperatures for Brazilians, with Rio de Janeiro recording its hottest day in over a decade in February, reaching 44 degrees Celsius. The ongoing weather crisis emphasizes the urgent need for educational institutions to adapt to these climatic challenges and maintain a consistent school schedule despite environmental adversities.
In summary, the recent heat wave in southern Brazil has resulted in class suspensions in five cities due to unsafe conditions for students. This trend highlights a growing concern regarding extreme weather and its impact on education, as multiple reports indicate a consistent pattern of school closures. As experts predict a continuation of such weather phenomena, proactive measures will be necessary to address these climatic challenges in the educational sector.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
