There is just over a month until summer, and temperature fluctuations have been occurring due to climate phenomena. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), La Niña is expected to persist between December 2025 and February 2026.
The characteristics include milder temperatures compared to previous years and average rainfall, but with the risk of short-lived extreme events (such as heatwaves or intense cold fronts). In the Southeast, the summer of 2025/2026 is expected to be marked by above-average temperatures and irregular rainfall.
With this forecast, doctors have raised concerns about their patients' health. "Excessive heat becomes a concern. Besides discomfort, it can bring a series of impacts on breathing, sleep, and the overall functioning of the body," says pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist, Jessica Polese.
"The high temperatures we experienced this week, with a heat index of 38ºC in the middle of spring, affect health and the quality of the air we breathe," explains the doctor. There is a higher concentration of pollutants and suspended particles in the air, especially in urban areas. This can irritate the respiratory tract, worsen asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other lung problems, as well as trigger pre-existing allergies," she explains.
Additionally, headaches and nausea may occur. "Proper hydration is essential to help keep the airways moist," she states. Drying of the airways can worsen allergic crises and colds that occur more frequently with the use of air conditioning during this period. "For those who are allergic, it is necessary to use humidifiers or damp towels to alleviate these effects, and especially to pay attention to the cleaning of these devices," the doctor warns.
Another issue is sleep. With the heat, fans and air conditioning units are used more frequently, as they are essential for a good night's sleep in this regard. "High temperatures make it difficult to sleep at night; people sweat, feel uncomfortable, irritable, and insomnia or constant awakenings occur," points out Jessica. Additionally, at-risk groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic diseases, are more vulnerable to complications arising from heat.
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