La Niña conditions were still observed during May. However, the area covered by negative SST anomalies has diminished comparing to the previous month. Next to Indonesia and Western Pacific, anomalous strong convection was related to the positive ENSO phase.

Six cold fronts affected Brazil, reaching the climatological value for May. Upper level cyclonic circulation over Uruguay, Argentina and southern Rio Grande do Sul was responsible for the positive rainfall anomalies mainly in Southern Brazil.

In Northern Brazil, Balbina reservoir raised its level due to significant rainfall along Uatumã river. Lower than normal levels were observed in two Solimões river reservoirs: Samuel-RO and Manacapuru-AM.

Number of hot spots in May 2000 were much greater than in May 1999. In São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul, dry spells have been observed since April, causing the hot spots in pasture areas next to the road.

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