Lula, who is seeking re-election, reached the Zona da Mata Regional Airport in Goiana but could not continue by helicopter because of the bad weather . He later returned to Brasilia.

Hundreds of supporters had already started gathering near the Roza Cabinda viaduct in central Juiz de Fora ahead of his expected arrival.

Heavy rain and strong winds forced some of those waiting to seek shelter, while others remained at the venue.

After Lula's appearance was cancelled, some supporters left, although the campaign event continued with other coalition candidates.

Ana Lucia, who attended the mobilisation despite the weather, said her support for Lula was linked to changes she experienced during his previous governments.

"After the Lula government I managed to buy and pay off my own house; I raised my five children; today they all have their own houses; I studied; I qualified. So there is nothing more fitting than to be here today celebrating our democracy ," the supporter said.

Another supporter, Carlos Eduardo, praised Lula's social policies and said they had benefited people across different age groups.

"He always does things right; he always helps us; he encourages us; not only on the question of purity, but also on childhood, adolescence, adult life and old age; he always helps us with everything."

Minas Gerais is one of Brazil's most important electoral states and has featured prominently in the final stretch of the presidential campaign.

Lula was scheduled to return to the state this week for another campaign event in Belo Horizonte on Friday.

The 80-year-old is seeking a fourth presidential term after governing Brazil from 2003 to 2010 and returning to office in 2023.

His main rival in the October 4 election is Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro.

If no candidate receives more than 50 per cent of valid votes in the first round, a run-off will be held on October 25.