Rio Grande do Sul recorded its coldest morning of 2026 this Tuesday, June 16, as 47 municipalities reported sub-zero temperatures. According to data from MetSul Meteorologia, this marks the highest daily count of freezing conditions in the state this year, surpassing the previous peak of 27 cities recorded on May 20.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Across the State
The state’s lowest temperature was logged in Pinheiro Machado, where thermometers hit -6.4ºC. This figure represents the coldest reading in Rio Grande do Sul for 2026, exceeding the previous record of -4.7ºC set in the same municipality on May 20 and June 15. In total, this is the 19th day with negative temperatures in the state this year and the third during the month of June.
A broad swath of the region experienced extreme cold. Other notable sub-zero readings included -4.6ºC in Monte Alegre dos Campos, -4.4ºC in Bagé, and -3.2ºC in Vacaria. Municipalities such as Herval, Sant’Ana do Livramento, Bom Jesus, and Soledade also reported temperatures well below the freezing point.
The 47 municipalities recording sub-zero temperatures on Tuesday represent a significant increase in intensity compared to earlier in the season; the previous high for a single day was 27 cities on May 20.
Impact on the Porto Alegre Metropolitan Area
The cold front reached the Porto Alegre metropolitan area with substantial intensity. According to regional stations, Eldorado do Sul recorded 0.7ºC and Gravataí saw 0.9ºC. In the capital city of Porto Alegre, the Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia reported 4.1ºC in the Belém Novo district and 5.5ºC at the Jardim Botânico. An additional station operated by the Secretaria da Agricultura in the Lami neighborhood recorded a low of 1.6ºC.
The surge in municipalities reporting negative temperatures indicates a widespread, intense polar air mass moving across the territory. While historical data shows previous cold snaps in May and June, the shift to -6.4ºC suggests that infrastructure and agricultural sectors in the Serra do Sudeste and surrounding areas may face increased pressure from sustained freezing conditions as the winter season progresses.
What Happens Next
Given that this is the 19th day of negative temperatures for the state in 2026, residents and regional services may need to prepare for continued volatility in weather patterns. Meteorologists monitor these trends to determine if the current cold spell will persist or if a warming trend is likely to follow. Further data collection from the state’s meteorological stations will be necessary to confirm if these sub-zero records will be tested again throughout the remainder of the winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city recorded the lowest temperature in the state?
Pinheiro Machado recorded the lowest temperature of the year at -6.4ºC.
How many cities experienced freezing temperatures on June 16?
According to MetSul Meteorologia, 47 municipalities with meteorological stations recorded temperatures below zero.
How does this cold snap compare to previous dates in 2026?
This is the highest daily number of cities with sub-zero temperatures this year, surpassing the previous record of 27 cities set on May 20.
How are local communities responding to these record-breaking low temperatures?
