As forecast in previous weeks, a cold front moved into Brazil’s coffee-producing areas on August 11 and 12, bringing localized frost and sub-zero temperatures in certain spots.
After a detailed assessment, it was found that Sul de Minas, Vale da Grama, and Mogiana were only lightly affected, with frost mostly in lower-altitude areas – see Picture1.
The Cerrado Mineiro region was most impacted, the same area that experienced severe frost damage in July 2021, but this year’s event was significantly less intense.
Affected municipalities: Patrocínio, Araxá, Perdizes, Araguari, Ibia, among others, recorded low temperatures during the early hours of August 11 and 12, with some areas dropping below 0 °C.
August 11: Damage was more concentrated on the upper part of the trees, particularly in lower areas, causing partial losses – see Picture 2.
August 12: Stronger winds widened the frost’s reach, affecting the entire tree in some locations – see Picture 3.
Some plantations are approaching the blossom stage, raising concerns about damage to younger trees. There is also worry that impacts on the upper canopy could affect the potential of the next harvest, especially in areas nearing flowering – see Picture 4.
Despite the frost, the event had limited coverage compared to the total Brazilian Arabica area, and the potential for a strong 2026 crop remains in place.
With harvest already above 80%, attention now returns to completing the harvest, and in the coming weeks new data should consolidate the outlook for Brazil’s 2025/26 coffee crop.
