A typical tropical country, Brazil has been facing a major heat wave in recent weeks, with temperatures reaching up to 40º C and low humidity. It’s just the beginning of spring in the South Hemisphere.
The climate is surely an attractive for travelers from the North Hemisphere particularly, but in some destinations, it is necessary to take certain precautions when exploring the natural, historical, and cultural beauties of Brazil.
To ensure that your visit is pleasant and safe, the Brazilian Tourism News Agency has gathered some tips and essential care to face the hot and dry climate.
To start, hydration is essential. Low temperatures can cause a significant loss of fluids through sweat, so the tip is to constantly replenish the body with water. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty, as this is often a sign that you are already dehydrated.
Choose water, natural juices, or sports drinks, which can help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. In addition, have a reusable water bottle on hand, it is the most effective way to ensure hydration whenever you need it.
In addition to hydration, diet requires special attention. Balanced meals is essential to ensure energy and well-being during the trip. Choose light meals, such as salads, fruits, such as pineapple, mango, passion fruit, and açaí, which are refreshing and nutritious. Avoid heavy and fatty foods, which make digestion more difficult.
If you are near the Brazilian coast, take the opportunity to enjoy fresh fish and seafood, which are a rich source of lean protein and omega-3, and make sure that the food you consume is prepared and stored properly.
You can’t forget the sunscreen! Prolonged sun exposure without protection can result in sunburn, premature aging, and, in more serious cases, increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, choose a sunscreen that offers protection against UVA and UVB rays. Make sure that the Sun Protection Factor is at least 30 to ensure effectiveness. Reapply it every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
In addition to sunscreen, wear light-colored clothing that covers as much of the body as possible. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection are also highly recommended to protect your face and eyes. After a day in the sun, apply a post-sun moisturizer to help prevent peeling.
Check the weather forecast. This is a useful practice for tourists who want to explore Brazil during high temperatures. The climate can vary significantly from one region to another, and being prepared for the weather conditions is essential to ensure an enjoyable trip. Be aware of weather alerts issued by the Civil Defense. If there is any warning of adverse weather conditions, such as severe storms or extreme heat waves, follow the instructions of the authorities and take appropriate measures to ensure your safety.
Brazil has an emergency alert system informed by the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development, through the Civil Defense, that allows tourists to sign up to receive alerts in case of dangerous situations, such as severe storms or evacuations. Currently, alerts can be received by SMS, cable TV, Telegram app, and WhatsApp app.
• SMS: Send a message to the number 40199, with the CEP of the area of interest.
• WhatsApp: Register the number 61 2034-4611. Send a “hello” to the alert robot and follow the steps on the screen to register the areas of interest or search for existing alerts.
• Telegram: Search for the contact “Defesa Civil Alertas”, say “hello” to the alert robot and follow the steps on the screen to register the areas of interest or search for existing alerts.
• Cable TV: Civil Defense warnings and alerts appear automatically during the programming of cable TVs.
Source: Brazilian Ministry of Tourism