Characterization of hail records and recognitions in the period from 1991 to 2022 in southern Brazil

Abstract

The southern region of Brazil is constantly affected by extreme events that cause human, material and economic damage to the population. Its geographical position, the constraints of its terrain and the characteristics of its atmospheric circulation make this region favorable to the development of storms with potentially destructive hailstorms. Therefore, the aim was to spatialize the records and recognitions of hailstorms in the Southern Region. By acquiring data from 1991 to 2022, it was possible to compile, organize and analyze the records and recognitions of emergency situations and states of public calamity at federal level and made available by the Atlas Brasileiro de Desastres Naturais and the Sistema Integrado de Informações Sobre Desastres platform. It was found that 1998 was the most significant year, with a total of 54 events. The municipalities of Salto do Lontra/PR, Itaiópolis/SC and Santa Cruz do Sul/RS had the most destructive hail events recorded in the data sources. The events occurred predominantly in spring and summer, and less frequently in fall and winter. Damage was mostly concentrated in urban homes and agricultural crops. The analysis of population structure in line with economic and urban infrastructure issues is essential for understanding risk and response action. It also aids government decision-making by the agents responsible for the relief effort.