Assessment of extreme precipitation events in Brazil during 2023: Insights from CHIRPS and rain gauge data

This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of extreme precipitation events that occurred during the year 2023 in Brazil, aiming to provide valuable insights into climate risks and support decision-making related to disaster prevention. Leveraging data from the Climate Hazard Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) and complementing it with observational data from the network gauges of the National Center for Monitoring and Alerts of Natural Disasters (Cemaden), the research focuses on assessing indices derived from rainfall data, notably days with precipitation exceeding 50 mm, and juxtaposes these events against historical averages from 1992 to 2022 to discern anomalies. Data are aggregated at the municipal level, considering the maximum value within each municipal domain. The results highlight the influence of the El Niño phenomenon in the Southern region of Brazil, especially in Rio Grande do Sul, underscoring the importance of considering global and local climatic factors in impact assessment. Additionally, specific analyses are presented for municipalities such as Petrópolis (RJ), Manaus (AM), and São Sebastião (SP), revealing trends and anomalies that warrant attention for adaptation measures and disaster risk reduction. The study concludes that 2023 served as an illustrative year for climate projections, emphasizing the urgency to advance mitigation actions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address future climate challenges.