Natural disasters result from natural phenomena causing loss of life or environmental damage. Weather-driven disasters include floods, droughts, tornadoes, and snowstorms. Earth-driven disasters involve volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Some disasters combine multiple forces, like landslides triggered by rain or earthquakes
A squall is a sudden wind increase lasting minutes, unlike gusts lasting seconds. The word originates from Old Norse "skvala" meaning to squeal. WMO defines squalls as winds increasing 8 m/s, reaching 11 m/s, lasting 1 minute
Cyclone is a rotating low-pressure air mass counterclockwise in Northern Hemisphere. Cyclones have inward-spiraling winds and center of lowest atmospheric pressure. Cyclogenesis is the process of cyclone formation and intensification
Brazil's climate varies from tropical north to temperate south of Tropic of Capricorn. Northern regions average above 25°C, reaching 40°C in temperate zones. Southern regions average 13-22°C, with frosts during winter. Highest temperature recorded was 44.8°C in Araçuaí in 2023. Lowest temperature recorded was −14°C in Caçador in 1952
Sunny/clear weather occurs above 85,340 meters altitude. Sunny days are brought by anticyclones and cause temperature variations. Clear skies at night significantly lower temperatures
Hurricanes are tropical storms with winds over 74 m.p.h. and organized convection. Systems can reach 5-6 miles high and 300-400 miles wide. Move at speeds of 10-15 m.p.h., sometimes up to 40 m.p.h