Rio under the threat of storms in February

The National Institute of Meteorology - INMET - sent alert messages to the Emergency Rescue Dept - known in Brazil as Defesa Civil - in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais. The
head of the Applied Meteorology Division of INMET, Expedito Rebello, informed yesterday that rains in the first week of February should cause floods in those States. Rainfalls should reach 150 to 180
millimeters, compared to the average of 84 mm in February, 2001.

The forecast has one positive side, though. The water reservoirs in the Southern and Midwestern regions of Brazil will be full. In practical terms, this will help put an end to the rationing program.

Source: Jornal do Brasil

More rain, just what many don't need. Speaking of rationing, how are you getting along there? My girlfriend can't use the television or microwave much during the day because it's so hot they have to save what electricity they can for the air conditioner at night so they can sleep. Although, they are not as
close to the beach where you are, so they don't get the ocean breeze. Unfortunately, they're in one of the many spots in the city that just doesn't often get much wind because of the buildings and mountains.
Have you had any triple-priced electricity bills?

Hopefully these new rains will get the reservois back up to normal levels so they can back off on the rationing.

Mitchell

Rationing wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. Of course, that goes for Zona SUl only. In my place because of constant sea breeze, I almost never have to turn A/C even when temperature
goes over 100 F. Because, we were able to meet the quotes, my electric bills actually shrank about 25%. Of course, there were some incoveniences, such as one elevator instead of two working at a time,
less lights on the beach at night (feelings of the lovers of playing soccer and volleyball at night were hurt) etc.

THe inland towns managed a lot worse, especially during hot days.

So, no triple-priced electricity bills... Also, it looks like rationing is going to be over soon