The ancient spirit who’s helping protect Rio from the effects of El Niño

The ancient spirit who’s helping protect Rio from the effects of El Niño - The Washington Post

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The ancient spirit who’s helping protect Rio from the effects of El Niño

The city has announced a 25-year agreement for the services of Cacique Cobra Coral, a spirit channeled by a 71-year-old woman in Guarulhos, Brazil.

September 10, 2026 at 5:00 a.m. EDT

Today at 5:00 a.m. EDT

8 min

*President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia tour the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro in this 2011 handout photo. (The White House/Getty Images)*

By

Marina Dias

Early one morning last month, cellphones across Rio de Janeiro buzzed with a severe weather alert: Conditions, civil defense authorities warned, suggested the possibility a bomb cyclone could form over southern Brazil.

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* Dan Stillman , Jason Samenow and Ian Livingston CWG Live: Mild with some rain late Thursday into Friday; Sunday snow? February 18, 2026
* Ben Noll and Matthew Cappucci A massive storm could soon engulf a 2,000-mile stretch with snow and ice January 21, 2026
* Ruby Mellen As massive winter storm hits, NWS has been using new AI-powered forecasts January 24, 2026
* Jason Samenow D.C. area faces damaging winds, dangerous cold and snow into the weekend February 6, 2026
* Matthew Cappucci and Ben Noll Sharp divide in Plains between dry and humid air will fuel fire risk and storms April 22, 2026
* Matthew Cappucci and Ben Noll A severe weather outbreak looms Tuesday for much of Midwest and Plains March 10, 2026

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