Dourados Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Brazil
Summer: Hot and Humid
Dourados experiences a hot and humid summer from December to March. During these months, temperatures average between 26°C (79°F) and 34°C (93°F), with high humidity levels that make the air feel heavy and uncomfortable. Rainfall is common during this season, with frequent thunderstorms and heavy showers.
Winter: Mild and Dry
Winter in Dourados, which spans from June to September, is characterized by mild and dry weather. Temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), making it a pleasant time to visit. The skies are generally clear, and precipitation is infrequent.
Seasonal Variations in Dourados, Brazil
Dourados, Brazil, experiences distinct seasonal variations in its average temperature. During the summer months (December to March), the city basks in warm and humid conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. The peak of the summer season typically occurs in January, when the average temperature reaches its highest point of the year, around 31°C.
In contrast, the winter months (June to September) are characterized by cool and dry weather. The average temperature during this period hovers between 18°C and 22°C. The nocturnal temperatures can drop significantly during the winter, reaching as low as 11°C. The coldest month of the year is usually July, when the average temperature dips to around 19°C.
Annual Temperature Range and Humidity Levels
The annual temperature range in Dourados, Brazil, is relatively wide, with a difference of approximately 12°C between the warmest and coldest months. This variation is attributed to the city’s subtropical climate, which is influenced by the alternating trade winds and polar air masses that pass over the region.
Dourados experiences high humidity levels throughout the year, particularly during the summer months. The average humidity during the summer ranges from 70% to 80%, while in the winter, it typically drops to around 60%. The high humidity, combined with the warm temperatures, can create a sultry and uncomfortable environment during the summer season.
Cloud Types in Dourados
The skies over Dourados, Brazil, are adorned with a diverse array of cloud formations. Cirrus clouds, with their delicate wispy appearance, are often seen high in the atmosphere. They are composed of ice crystals and can resemble feathers or streaks in the sky. Cumulus clouds, on the other hand, are puffy and white, often appearing as cotton balls. They typically form at lower altitudes and can indicate fair weather. When cumulus clouds grow vertically, they can transform into towering cumulonimbus clouds, which are associated with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
Cloud Patterns and Weather Conditions
The distribution and movement of clouds in Dourados provide valuable insights into the prevailing weather conditions. When cirrus clouds cover the sky, they can indicate the approach of a warm front. Cumulus clouds often precede rainfall, especially when they are accompanied by anvil-shaped tops. Cumulonimbus clouds are a sure sign of impending storms, with their heavy downpours and potential for hail or lightning. By observing the cloud patterns and their evolution over time, local residents can stay informed about approaching weather changes and plan their activities accordingly.
Average Precipitation
Dourados, Brazil experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The average annual precipitation is 1,425 millimeters (56.1 inches), with the wet season typically occurring from October to March. During this period, the city receives heavy rainfall, often accompanied by thunderstorms. The dry season, from April to September, is characterized by lower precipitation and less frequent storms.
Monthly Distribution
The monthly distribution of precipitation in Dourados varies significantly throughout the year. The wettest months are December and January, with average rainfall of over 200 millimeters (7.9 inches) per month. The driest months are July and August, with average rainfall of less than 50 millimeters (2 inches) per month. During the transition months of April, May, September, and October, precipitation gradually increases or decreases, marking the onset and end of the wet and dry seasons.
Seasonal Rainfall Patterns
Dourados, Brazil experiences a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically runs from October to March, bringing abundant rainfall to the region. During this period, monthly rainfall often exceeds 100 millimeters, with peak rainfall occurring in January and February. The dry season, on the other hand, spans from April to September and is characterized by minimal rainfall. Monthly precipitation during this time typically falls below 50 millimeters, with the driest months being June and July.
Annual Rainfall Variability
The annual rainfall in Dourados exhibits considerable variability from year to year. While the city typically receives an average of 1,400 millimeters of rainfall annually, fluctuations above and below this average are common. This variability is influenced by several factors, including regional weather patterns and global climate oscillations. In wet years, rainfall can exceed 1,600 millimeters, while in dry years, it may fall below 1,200 millimeters. The variability in rainfall patterns can have significant implications for agriculture and water resources in the region.
History of Snowfall in Dourados
Dourados, a city located in the southern Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, is known for its subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. However, on rare occasions, the city experiences snowfall. The most notable snowfall event in Dourados occurred on July 22, 1975, when a cold front from the South Pole brought icy conditions to the region. Snowflakes were observed falling for several hours, covering the city in a thin layer of white. This rare phenomenon caused widespread excitement and even made national headlines.
Scientific Explanation
The occurrence of snowfall in Dourados can be attributed to a combination of factors. During the southern hemisphere’s winter, cold air masses from the Antarctic can penetrate into the region, bringing with them freezing temperatures. Additionally, Dourados’ location in the highlands of Mato Grosso do Sul creates favorable conditions for snow formation. When moisture in the air condenses and encounters the cold temperatures, it forms ice crystals that eventually fall as snow. While snowfall in Dourados is rare, it serves as a reminder of the diverse and unpredictable nature of Brazil’s weather patterns.
Climate of Dourados
Dourados, located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul in Brazil, experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) with hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters. The city is characterized by high levels of precipitation throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of over 1,500 millimeters (60 inches). The wet season typically lasts from October to March, during which time convective rainfall is common, often accompanied by thunderstorms. The dry season spans from April to September, when precipitation is considerably less frequent.
Sunshine Duration
Dourados enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, with an average of over 2,500 hours of sunshine annually. The sunniest months are typically during the dry season, when clear skies and low humidity allow for maximum solar radiation to reach the earth’s surface. During the wet season, however, cloud cover and precipitation can reduce the amount of sunshine received. Nevertheless, even during the rainy months, Dourados experiences periods of sunshine, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and solar energy utilization.
Moon Visibility in Dourados
The moon’s visibility in Dourados, Brazil, varies significantly throughout the lunar cycle. During new moon, the moon is not visible from Earth as it faces away from the sun. As the lunar cycle progresses, the moon gradually becomes illuminated and appears as a waxing crescent. The waxing gibbous phase occurs when more than half of the moon is illuminated, followed by the full moon when the entire face of the moon is visible. The waning gibbous and waning crescent phases follow, respectively, until the moon returns to new moon.
The position of the moon in the sky also changes throughout the lunar cycle. During full moon, the moon rises at sunset and sets at sunrise, appearing high in the sky at midnight. During new moon, the moon is not visible as it is below the horizon. During the waxing and waning phases, the moon rises and sets at different times and appears at different heights in the sky depending on its distance from the sun.
Monthly Humidity Variations
Dourados, located in southern Brazil, experiences distinct humidity patterns throughout the year. During the warm and rainy summer months (December to March), humidity levels soar, often reaching above 90%. This high humidity creates a蒸し暑い and oppressive atmosphere, especially during peak afternoon hours. As the cooler and drier winter months approach (June to September), humidity levels drop significantly, reaching as low as 50%.
Impact on Residents
The fluctuating humidity levels in Dourados can have a noticeable impact on residents. During the humid summer months, the high moisture content in the air can lead to discomfort, increased sweating, and potential heat-related illnesses. Residents may also experience difficulty breathing or exacerbation of respiratory conditions. Conversely, the lower humidity levels in the winter months can cause dry skin, chapped lips, and respiratory irritation.
Wind Patterns and Variability
Dourados, Brazil is located in the southern region of the country, within the Cerrado biome. The city is characterized by a humid subtropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wind patterns in Dourados are influenced by both the regional topography and the prevailing atmospheric circulation. During the wet season (October to April), strong southerly and southeasterly winds dominate, bringing moisture from the Atlantic Ocean. These winds are associated with the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ), a semi-permanent low-pressure system that forms over the southern Atlantic Ocean.
During the dry season (May to September), the winds in Dourados are generally lighter and more variable in direction. However, occasional strong wind events, known locally as “temporais,” can occur. These events are characterized by thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour). The temporais are often associated with cold fronts passing through the region.
Dry Season (May to October)
The best time to visit Dourados is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). This is an ideal time for outdoor activities, such as visiting the city’s many parks and nature reserves, or exploring the surrounding countryside. Additionally, the dry season coincides with the region’s annual festivals, including the Dourados Folk Festival and the Dourados Motor Show, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Wet Season (November to April)
During the wet season, from November to April, Dourados experiences heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The average temperature remains around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), but humidity levels can rise significantly. While the wet season can be less ideal for outdoor activities, it also brings lush vegetation and stunning waterfalls to the region. Visitors can still enjoy exploring Dourados’ museums and historical sites, and can take advantage of the quieter season to find better deals on accommodation and activities.
Solar Energy Potential
Dourados, a city in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, possesses substantial solar energy potential. The region boasts abundant sunshine throughout the year, with an average of over 5.5 peak sunlight hours per day. This makes it an ideal location for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which convert sunlight directly into electricity. The city’s strategic location near major transmission lines further enhances its suitability for solar power development.
Advantages and Economic Benefits
Harnessing solar energy offers numerous advantages to Dourados. It is a clean and renewable source of energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact. Solar PV systems can significantly lower electricity bills for businesses and households, contributing to economic savings. Additionally, the development of the solar industry creates jobs and stimulates local economic growth. Dourados has the potential to become a hub for solar energy innovation and manufacturing, attracting investment and creating a sustainable energy future for the city.
Topography of Dourados, Brazil
Dourados, located in the southwestern region of Brazil, exhibits a distinct topography characterized by gently rolling hills and plateaus intersected by numerous river valleys. The city is nestled within the Upper Paraná River Basin, which influences its overall elevation and drainage patterns. The topography is predominantly formed by sedimentary rocks, including sandstone, siltstone, and limestone, laid down over millions of years. These sedimentary layers have been sculpted by erosion, forming the current landscape.
The highest point in Dourados is Serra de Maracaju, a plateau located in the eastern part of the municipality, with an elevation of approximately 600 meters above sea level. The plateau gently slopes down towards the west, forming a series of valleys and hills. The main rivers flowing through Dourados are the Dourados River, Ivinhema River, and Brilhante River. These rivers have created deep valleys and floodplains, contributing to the diverse topography of the region. The confluence of these rivers gives rise to the Dourados Reservoir, a large artificial lake that further shapes the topography of the area.
Dourados Regional Airport (DOU)
Dourados Regional Airport (IATA: DOU, ICAO: SBDU), also known as Francisco de Mattos Pereira Airport, is the primary airport serving the city of Dourados, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. It is located approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) northeast of the city center. The airport has one asphalt runway, designated 02/20, which measures 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) in length and 45 meters (148 feet) in width. DOU operates domestic flights to several major cities in Brazil, including São Paulo, Brasília, Campo Grande, and Curitiba. The airport is also a hub for Azul Brazilian Airlines, which offers connecting flights to destinations throughout the country.
Other Nearby Airports
In addition to Dourados Regional Airport, there are several other airports located within a reasonable driving distance of the city. These airports include:
- Campo Grande International Airport (CGR): Located approximately 260 kilometers (160 miles) southwest of Dourados, CGR is the largest airport in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. It offers a wider range of domestic and international flights compared to DOU.
- Ponta Porã International Airport (PPO): Situated approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of Dourados, PPO is a smaller airport that primarily serves the border town of Ponta Porã. It offers flights to a limited number of destinations within Brazil and Paraguay.
- Paraguayan Airports: Several airports in Paraguay are also located within a relatively close proximity to Dourados. These airports include Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) in Asunción, Mariscal Estigarribia International Airport (ESG) in Mariscal Estigarribia, and Guaraní International Airport (AGT) in Ciudad del Este. However, these airports require crossing the international border between Brazil and Paraguay, which can add additional time and complexity to the travel process.
City Overview
Dourados, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, is a vibrant city renowned for its economic and cultural significance. With a population of over 230,000, Dourados is the third-largest city in the state. It serves as a commercial and industrial hub for the surrounding region, particularly in the food processing, mining, and energy sectors. Dourados boasts a diverse economy and is home to numerous manufacturing and agricultural businesses, contributing to its economic prosperity.
History and Culture
Dourados has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Established in 1914, it was initially a coffee-growing region. Over time, the city evolved into an agricultural and livestock center. In the 1970s, the discovery of gold in the nearby Roncador Mine led to a significant economic boom and population growth. Dourados is also recognized for its cultural heritage, influenced by the convergence of native Brazilian, European, and African cultures. The city is home to several cultural centers, museums, and theaters, showcasing a blend of indigenous art, traditional folk music, and contemporary performances.