Brazil faces a severe heat wave, prompting health alerts in Rio de Janeiro and causing power outages amid record energy demand. The National Institute of Meteorology issued a red alert for several regions, indicating a high risk of significant damage or accidents. In Rio, the heat index reached a record 58.5 degrees Celsius (137 Fahrenheit). Residents face health risks, affecting breathing, kidneys, and the heart, particularly among the vulnerable populations. Power outages were reported in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The extreme heat exacerbates wildfires in the Pantanal biome, with temperatures rising due to the El Niño climate phenomenon.