2018 Reports

Rio de Janeiro Impacts of the Madden-Julian Oscillation

Grimm, Alice M.

The metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro is highly vulnerable to rainstorm-induced disasters due to its topography, urban sprawl, and limited infrastructure. Historical events, including extreme floods in 1966, 1988, and 2010, highlight the city’s exposure to landslides and flooding. Analysis shows that intraseasonal climate variability, particularly the Madden-Julian Oscillation, significantly influences the frequency of extreme summer rainfall, offering opportunities for improved flood forecasting and proactive adaptation planning to protect vulnerable populations.