Tres Lagoas Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Brazil

Temperature and Humidity:

Tres Lagoas, located in central Brazil, experiences a tropical savanna climate. Throughout the year, temperatures remain consistently warm, with average highs ranging from 28°C (82°F) to 34°C (93°F). Humidity levels are typically high, especially during the summer months. November to April marks the rainy season, characterized by frequent thunderstorms and increased precipitation. The city receives an average of 1,400 mm (55 in) of rainfall annually.

Seasonal Variations:

Tres Lagoas has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season, lasting from May to October, brings cooler and drier conditions. Temperatures average between 22°C (72°F) and 30°C (86°F), with occasionally dropping below 20°C (68°F) at night. Humidity levels are lower, and rainfall is less frequent. During the rainy season, from November to April, temperatures remain elevated, but humidity and precipitation increase dramatically. Heavy downpours and thunderstorms become common, leading to increased water levels in the area’s rivers.

Average Temperature Throughout the Year

Tres Lagoas, Brazil, experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The average annual temperature in Tres Lagoas is around 22.5°C (72.5°F). The warmest months are January and February, with average temperatures hovering around 26°C (79°F). The coldest month is July, with an average temperature of 17°C (63°F).

Seasonal Variations in Temperature

Tres Lagoas experiences distinct seasonal variations in temperature. During the summer months (December to March), temperatures soar, with daily highs often reaching or exceeding 30°C (86°F). The nights are also warm, with lows typically remaining above 20°C (68°F). In contrast, during the winter months (June to September), temperatures drop significantly. Daily highs typically range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), while nights can be chilly, with temperatures dipping below 10°C (50°F).

Cloud Types and Formation

The cloud formations in Tres Lagoas, Brazil, are predominantly influenced by the region’s tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall. Cumulus clouds, with their distinctive puffy or dome-shaped appearance, are common in this area. These clouds often develop in the morning and dissipate by afternoon, forming as a result of rising warm air that cools and condenses into water vapor. During the rainy season, more extensive cloud cover is observed, including stratus and nimbus clouds associated with precipitation.

Impact on Weather and Climate

The clouds in Tres Lagoas play a crucial role in regulating the city’s weather and climate. Cumulus clouds provide shade and reduce the intensity of sunlight reaching the earth’s surface, helping to moderate temperatures. The presence of cloud cover also affects precipitation patterns, with heavier rainfall associated with denser cloud formations. Furthermore, clouds influence the local humidity levels, as water vapor trapped within cloud systems can contribute to increased humidity in the atmosphere. By altering the energy balance and atmospheric conditions, clouds influence the overall climate of Tres Lagoas, influencing weather patterns and agricultural productivity in the region.

Seasonal Distribution of Precipitation

Tres Lagoas, Brazil, experiences a distinct seasonal distribution of precipitation. During the wet season, which typically lasts from October to March, the city receives heavy rainfall. This is primarily due to the influence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a belt of low pressure near the equator that brings ample moisture from the Atlantic Ocean. The monthly average rainfall during the wet season can exceed 200 mm, with some months receiving over 300 mm.

Annual Precipitation and Variability

Tres Lagoas receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 1,400 mm. However, this amount can vary significantly from year to year. The city has experienced droughts and floods in the past, with extreme events occasionally causing major disruptions to daily life and infrastructure. The distribution of rainfall throughout the year is also variable, with the wet season sometimes extending or shortening unpredictably. This variability can impact water resources and agricultural activities in the region.

Rainfall Patterns

Tres Lagoas, Brazil experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically spans from October to April, coinciding with the austral summer months. During this period, frequent rainfall occurs due to the influence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a low-pressure system that brings moisture-laden air from the Atlantic Ocean. Conversely, the dry season, which lasts from May to September, is marked by reduced rainfall and higher temperatures.

Monthly and Annual Averages

Monthly rainfall totals in Tres Lagoas vary significantly throughout the year. The wettest month is January, which averages around 230 mm (9 inches) of rainfall. Other wet months include December, February, and March, with averages ranging from 180 mm to 200 mm (7-8 inches). In contrast, the driest months are June and July, when rainfall typically drops below 50 mm (2 inches). Annual rainfall in Tres Lagoas averages around 1,400 mm (55 inches), making it a relatively humid region.

Historical Significance

Snowfall in Tres Lagoas, Brazil, is a rare and remarkable meteorological phenomenon. Located in the tropical region of the country, the city has never experienced significant snowfall throughout its history. However, on July 13, 1957, an extraordinary weather event occurred, resulting in a light snowfall in the city. This unprecedented snowfall made headlines and became a historical landmark in Tres Lagoas, marking it as the only known occurrence of snow in the region.

Meteorological Factors

The snowfall in Tres Lagoas in 1957 was attributed to a combination of several meteorological factors. A cold front from the South Pole brought frigid temperatures to the region, causing a significant drop in the mercury. Simultaneously, a high-pressure system created stable atmospheric conditions, allowing the cold air to remain over the city for an extended period. With high levels of humidity present, moisture condensed and froze, forming snowflakes that fell gracefully upon Tres Lagoas. The snowfall lasted for several hours, covering the ground with a thin layer of snow, much to the astonishment of the local population.

Sunrise and Sunset Times

In Tres Lagoas, Brazil, the timing of sunrise and sunset varies throughout the year due to the Earth’s tilt and the city’s location in the Southern Hemisphere. During the summer months (December to February), the sun rises between 5:00 and 5:30 AM and sets between 7:00 and 7:30 PM. In winter (June to August), sunrise occurs later, around 6:00 AM, and sunset is earlier, around 6:00 PM.

Average Daily Sunlight

On average, Tres Lagoas receives over 2,700 hours of sunshine annually, equivalent to approximately 7 hours of sunlight per day. The city experiences high levels of solar radiation, with an average daily UV index ranging from 9 to 12, indicating a very high risk of sunburn. Therefore, it is essential to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing when spending extended periods outdoors.

Moon Visibility in Tres Lagoas

The visibility of the moon in Tres Lagoas, Brazil, fluctuates throughout the month. This is due to the moon’s phases, which cause it to appear and disappear in the sky. During the new moon phase, the moon is not visible because it is between the Earth and the sun. As the moon moves through its phases, it becomes more visible, reaching its peak brightness during the full moon phase. In Tres Lagoas, the full moon typically appears around midnight and remains visible until sunrise. The visibility of the moon is also affected by the weather conditions. Clouds and rain can obscure the moon’s light, making it difficult or impossible to see.

Moon Phases in Tres Lagoas

The moon goes through a series of phases as it orbits the Earth. These phases include the new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. The new moon is the phase when the moon is not visible from Earth. The waxing crescent is the phase when the moon is first visible after the new moon. The first quarter is the phase when the moon is half illuminated. The waxing gibbous is the phase when the moon is more than half illuminated but not yet full. The full moon is the phase when the moon is fully illuminated. The waning gibbous is the phase when the moon is more than half illuminated but not yet third quarter. The third quarter is the phase when the moon is half illuminated. The waning crescent is the phase when the moon is less than half illuminated but not yet new.

Annual Humidity

Tres Lagoas, a city in Brazil’s Mato Grosso do Sul state, experiences significant humidity throughout the year. During the wet season, which spans from December to April, humidity levels soar above 80%. This high humidity is primarily attributed to the heavy rainfall and tropical climate of the region. As the rainy season progresses, humidity levels often peak in January and February, creating a muggy and uncomfortable environment.

Seasonal Variations

While Tres Lagoas experiences high humidity year-round, there are seasonal variations. During the dry season, from May to November, humidity levels typically drop to around 60-70%. This decrease in humidity provides some relief from the oppressive conditions of the wet season. However, even during the driest months, humidity levels remain relatively high, contributing to the overall tropical atmosphere of the city.

Wind Patterns

Tres Lagoas is situated in the southern portion of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, within the Pantanal region. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The prevailing wind direction in Tres Lagoas is from the east, with speeds typically ranging between 10 to 20 kilometers per hour (6 to 12 miles per hour). During the summer months, northeasterly winds become more frequent, bringing warm and humid air from the Amazon rainforest. In the winter, southeasterly winds prevail, bringing cooler and drier air from the southern Atlantic Ocean.

Wind Energy Potential

Given its location and consistent wind patterns, Tres Lagoas has a significant potential for wind energy generation. The city is surrounded by vast open areas, with minimal obstructions to wind flow. Several wind farms have been established in the region, harnessing the strong and reliable winds. The largest of these is the Cachoeira dos Patos Wind Farm, located approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Tres Lagoas. This wind farm comprises 102 wind turbines with a combined capacity of 210 megawatts. The wind energy produced in Tres Lagoas contributes to the national grid, helping to reduce Brazil’s reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable energy development.

Summer (December to February):

Summer in Tres Lagoas is hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. This season is characterized by heavy rainfall, with frequent thunderstorms and downpours. Although the rain can bring relief from the heat, it can also make outdoor activities less enjoyable. However, for those seeking warmer temperatures and ample sunshine, summer is an ideal time to visit Tres Lagoas. The city’s parks and beaches become lively, offering opportunities for swimming, boating, and sunbathing.

Winter (June to August):

Winter in Tres Lagoas is mild and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The humidity levels are lower, and there is less rainfall compared to summer. This season is ideal for outdoor activities, as the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. Visitors can explore the local attractions, such as the Municipal Park, the Cachoeirinha Waterfall, and the Tres Lagoas Reservoir, without having to worry about excessive heat or rain.

Solar Irradiation and Resource Potential

Tres Lagoas is located in a region of Brazil with abundant solar irradiation. The city receives an average of 5.5 kWh/m2 of solar energy per day, which is higher than the national average of 4.8 kWh/m2. This favorable solar resource makes Tres Lagoas an ideal location for solar energy development.

Installed Capacity and Future Prospects

Currently, Tres Lagoas has a small installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity of approximately 4 MW. However, the city has ambitious plans to increase its solar energy capacity significantly in the coming years. The municipal government has set a target of 100 MW of solar PV by 2030. This would represent a substantial increase in the city’s renewable energy portfolio and contribute to the national goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in Brazil’s energy mix.

Topography

Tres Lagoas is located in the southern region of the Mato Grosso do Sul state in Brazil, within the Paraná River basin. The city lies on the vast plains of the Bodoquena Plateau, which is characterized by rolling hills and plateaus rising from the surrounding lowlands. The plateau is part of the larger Pantanal region, a vast wetland ecosystem that covers much of western and central Brazil.

The topography of Tres Lagoas is influenced by the presence of the Paraná River, which forms the northern boundary of the municipality. The riverbanks are lined with steep slopes and cliffs, creating a dramatic contrast to the surrounding landscape. The Serra de Maracaju, a mountain range located to the east of Tres Lagoas, also contributes to the rugged topography of the region. The range forms a natural barrier between the city and the coastal regions of Brazil.

Nearest Airport

The nearest airport to Tres Lagoas, Brazil, is the Tres Lagoas Regional Airport (TJL), located approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) southwest of the city center. TJL offers regular commercial flights to major cities in Brazil, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília. Several airlines operate at the airport, providing convenient connections to various destinations within the country. The airport features a modern terminal with basic amenities such as check-in counters, baggage claim, and a snack bar.

Alternative Airports

If Tres Lagoas Regional Airport does not meet your travel needs, there are several alternative airports within a reasonable driving distance. The Presidente Prudente Airport (PPB) in the state of São Paulo is approximately 225 kilometers (140 miles) southeast of Tres Lagoas. PPB offers a wider range of domestic and international flights, including connections to major cities in South America and Europe. Additionally, the Campo Grande International Airport (CGR) in Mato Grosso do Sul is approximately 350 kilometers (220 miles) southwest of Tres Lagoas. CGR is a larger airport with a more extensive network of flights, including both domestic and international destinations.

City Overview

Tres Lagoas is a municipality in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Located in the eastern portion of the state, it is known as the “Capital of MS Sugar”. Tres Lagoas is a major city and serves as a regional hub for commerce, industry, and agriculture. The city’s economy is primarily based on sugarcane cultivation and processing, with several sugar mills operating in the area. Additionally, Tres Lagoas is a hub for logistics and transportation, serving as a gateway to Western and Central Brazil.

Culture and Attractions

Tres Lagoas offers a blend of urban amenities and natural attractions. The city features a modern downtown area with shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants. The municipality is also home to the Tres Lagoas Botanical Garden, which showcases the region’s diverse plant life. Visitors can explore the city’s cultural heritage at the Museum of Tres Lagoas, which exhibits artifacts and traces the history of the municipality. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Parque Zoobotânico de Tres Lagoas provides a sanctuary for animals and offers hiking trails amidst lush greenery. The city also hosts annual events such as the Tres Lagoas Carnival and the Tres Lagoas Festival, showcasing local music and traditional customs.