Brazil records hottest ever temperature

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Brazil records hottest ever temperature

Brazil has recorded its hottest ever temperature – 44.8C (112.6F) – as parts of the country endure a stifling heatwave.

The record was hit on Sunday in the town of Araçuaí, in Brazil’s south-eastern state of Minas Gerais.

The unprecedented weather has been attributed to the El Niño phenomenon and climate change.

Forecasters say some of the heat is likely to ease this week.

According to the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet), only three state capitals will see temperatures approaching 40C, CNN Brasil reported.

The government agency said Araçuaí’s high of 44.8C had beaten the country’s previous record of 44.7C, measured in 2005.

The heat has seen red alerts issued across the country, a month before the beginning of summer in the southern hemisphere. Brazil’s energy consumption has soared to record levels as people try to keep themselves cool.