Experts in Brazil Predict Hot, Dry Weather for Olympics

(ATR) Meteorologists from the Brazilian National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) tell Around the Rings thattourists visiting for the Olympics can expect mostly dry days with a bit of heat.

"August is the driest month in Rio de Janeiro. Climatologically, the number of days with rain in Rio de Janeiro in August is seven," Marcia Seabra, a meteorologist in charge of collecting data for the Olympic Games, tells ATR.

"The predominance of a high atmospheric pressure system in the Atlantic Ocean during August favors the predominance of few clouds and, consequently, little rain in Rio de Janeiro.

In 2015, Rio de Janeiro faced an unusually dry month, only receiving 4.1 millimeters of precipitation through Aug. 28.The monthly average in July for Rio de Janeiro is 29.1 mm. The weather made for a clear backdrop for many of the test events in August with only sailing receiving rain during competition.

INMET will continue to collect data on the weather patterns in Rio de Janeiro up until the Olympic Games, and two new weather buoys being installed in Guanabara Bay according to Seabra. INMET will work with Rio de Janeiro state and city authorities to collect and transmit the data.

According to INMET, the average temperature in August in Rio de Janeiro from 2002-2013 is 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23.2 degrees Celsius) with an average maximum of 84 degrees Fahrenheit (28.7 degrees Celsius) and an average minimum of 67 degrees Fahrenheit (19.6 degrees Celsius).

"The average temperatures are higher than those of the summer in some countries, even though August is winter in Rio de Janeiro," Seabra said.

"It is advisable for foreign tourists to use a cap, sun block, soft clothes and drink plenty of water."

Written by Aaron Bauer in Rio de Janeiro

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