Winter is raging across Argentina. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) issued orange and yellow alerts for Wednesday, July 15, for snow, rain, strong winds, and the dreaded Zonda wind. Seven provinces are in the crosshairs of these phenomena that can endanger life and property.
The most severe alert, orange level, applies to western and northwestern Neuquén. Heavy snowfall is expected with accumulations between 40 and 60 centimeters, which could be even higher in some spots. The SMN warns that whiteout conditions may form in higher areas, a phenomenon that reduces visibility to nearly zero and turns the landscape into a deadly trap. In low-lying areas, rain mixed with snow is possible.
Recommendations for those in these areas are clear: follow authorities’ instructions, go out only if essential, use vehicles prepared for ice and snow, ventilate rooms to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, and have an emergency kit with food, water, flashlights, and a first aid kit.
The yellow alert for snow also covers western Mendoza. Persistent snowfall is expected with accumulations between 30 and 50 centimeters, accompanied by strong winds and possible whiteout. The agency advises avoiding unnecessary travel, checking roofs and drains, and keeping basic supplies.
Additionally, there is a yellow alert for rain in southwestern Neuquén, with accumulated precipitation of 10 to 20 millimeters. In higher areas, it may snow or rain mix with snow. It is recommended not to take out trash, clean drains, and stay away from flood-prone areas.
The wind does not let up. The yellow alert for strong winds affects western Mendoza, San Juan, La Rioja, Catamarca, southern Salta, and western Tucumán. West winds of 60 to 80 km/h are expected, with gusts up to 100 km/h in the mountains. Visibility will be reduced. The SMN asks to secure loose objects, not take shelter under trees or signs, and drive with caution.
The Zonda wind, a phenomenon that suddenly raises temperatures and dries the air, also has its yellow alert. It will affect southern and northern Mendoza, and central San Juan and La Rioja. Gusts may exceed 60 km/h, reducing visibility and creating low humidity conditions. It is recommended to close doors and windows, stay hydrated, protect eyes and respiratory tract, and not light fires.
In Buenos Aires City, Wednesday will be cool but uneventful: a low of 11°C and a high of 17°C, with partly cloudy skies and light winds. Thursday is expected to see a slight rise, and Friday could bring precipitation. In Buenos Aires province, the low will be 8°C and the high 16°C.
The rest of the country will also feel the cold: Córdoba between 12°C and 21°C; Tucumán between 11°C and 23°C; Santa Fe between 11°C and 21°C; Entre Ríos between 11°C and 21°C; Jujuy between 10°C and 23°C; Salta between 10°C and 23°C; Misiones between 11°C and 22°C; La Rioja between 10°C and 23°C; Santiago del Estero between 13°C and 24°C; San Luis between 9°C and 22°C; San Juan between 5°C and 20°C; Mendoza between 6°C and 18°C; Río Negro between 8°C and 15°C; Chubut between 7°C and 15°C; and Santa Cruz with below-freezing temperatures: between -3°C and 3°C.
Winter gives no respite. The alerts are in effect and authorities urge maximum caution. Nature should not be underestimated: when the SMN speaks of danger to life, it is best to listen.
Para mí esto es claramente una señal divina: justo cuando los zurditos planean marchar, la naturaleza les dice BASTA con nieve y viento en todo el país menos en CABA, porque Dios protege a los que laburan. Me parece que los vagos no van a poder cortar calles, ¡qué alegría! Viva la libertad carajo.
para mi estos fenomenos son culpa del capitalismo voraz no del clima los ricos con sus estufas y los laburantes congelandose el gobierno mira pa otro lado viva la lucha de clases carajo firmado el negrito del once