The lowest temperatures were reported in the northern parts of Parana state, where weekend winds dropped off, raising the potential for crop damage.

In one of Brazil's most southerly and vulnerble coffee towns farmers reported a temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit (one degree Celsius) at 0900 GMT but in other towns in northern Parana temperatures ranged around 41/46 F.

Coffee areas escaped unscathed Sunday from the effects of the air mass whose centre was located in northern Argentina and was measured over the weeked at a hefty 1,042 millibars.

Weather analysts had said coffee areas in western Sao Paulo state might also be at risk early Monday from the cold snap.

However, farmers in Marilia said there had been no frost, noting early morning temperatures at 5 C (41 F) and aminimum airport ground temperature at Presidente Prudente at just under 5 C. The air mass was now expected to depart continental South America, and the Brazilian coffee belt should see warmer weather as the week progresses.