Brazil temperature hit 44.8C (112.6F)

Brazil is experiencing a heatwave in some areas, and the country has recorded its highest temperature ever, to be 44.8C (112.6F).

In the town of Araçuaí, in the state of Minas Gerais in the southeast of Brazil, a record was set on Sunday.

Climate change and the El Niño phenomenon are the causes of the unusual weather.

It is predicted that this week will see some relief from the heat.

According to the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet), only three state capitals will see temperatures approaching 40C, CNN Brasil reported.

The government agency said Araçuaí’s high of 44.8C had beaten the country’s previous record of 44.7C, measured in 2005.

The heat has seen red alerts issued across the country, a month before the beginning of summer in the southern hemisphere.

Brazil’s energy consumption has soared to record levels as people try to keep themselves cool.