According to the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN), a series of yellow alerts for extreme cold, snowfall, and strong winds were issued on Monday, August 10, impacting 11 provinces across the country. The official warning level indicates the potential for meteorological phenomena featuring the capacity for damage and a risk of the momentary interruption of daily activities.
Regions Affected by Extreme Cold Alerts
The extreme cold warning covers the city of Buenos Aires as well as distinct sectors of the Buenos Aires province, including the east of Castelli; Chascomús, Dolores, Lezama, Magdalena, Punta Indio, and Tordillo; along with the sierra zones of Benito Juárez, Lobería, Necochea, and Tandil. According to the SMN, the alert also reaches the southeast of Corrientes, the west of Córdoba, the northeast of San Luis, La Pampa, La Rioja, San Juan, the west of Mendoza, the northwest of Neuquén, and the northwest of Chubut. Additional reporting from Crónica confirms that the ministry-dependent national meteorological service issued these warnings to highlight temperatures that can prove dangerous, particularly for vulnerable groups.
For the Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (AMBA), Monday starts with a mostly clear sky, very cold to fresh and windy conditions, accompanied by a minimum temperature of 4°C and a maximum reaching 12°C, with winds up to 12 kilometers per hour. Conditions are expected to remain stable on Tuesday, while precipitation is forecast for the second half of the day on Wednesday. In the Buenos Aires province outside the capital, maximums will reach 11°C with a minimum of 3°C under partly cloudy skies, followed by winds up to 22 kilometers per hour on Tuesday afternoon and isolated showers by Wednesday afternoon.
Snowfall and Wind Warnings in Western Provinces
Beyond the widespread cold, the SMN issued a yellow alert for snowfall covering sectors of Mendoza and Neuquén. Persistent snow is expected in these areas with accumulated totals ranging between 15 and 25 centimeters, though those levels could be locally exceeded. Authorities advise avoiding travel, and for those who must circulate, utilizing vehicles properly equipped for ice and snow.
Neuquén also faces a separate yellow alert for strong winds originating from the eastern sector. The SMN reports expected sustained speeds of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour, with gusts that could surpass 90 kilometers per hour. Residents in wind-affected areas are advised to secure loose objects, close doors and windows, and avoid taking shelter near billboards, structures, trees, or utility poles.
Forecasts Across Other Provinces
Maximum and minimum temperatures vary significantly across the remaining affected regions on Monday, August 10. Forecasted ranges include 14°C and 3°C in Córdoba; 11°C and 6°C in Tucumán; 14°C and 7°C in Santa Fe; 14°C and 7°C in Entre Ríos; 12°C and 5°C in Jujuy; 8°C and 4°C in Salta; 18°C and 9°C in Misiones; and 13°C and 2°C in La Rioja.
Further temperature projections released by the SMN indicate highs and lows of 15°C and 4°C in Santiago del Estero; 12°C and 3°C in San Luis; 13°C and -1°C in San Juan; 8°C and 0°C in Mendoza; 6°C and 3°C in Río Negro; 5°C and -2°C in Chubut; and 4°C and 2°C in Santa Cruz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a yellow weather alert issued by the SMN mean?
The warning level implies the possibility of meteorological phenomena with the capacity for damage and a risk of the momentary interruption of daily activities.
Which groups are most at risk during the extreme cold alerts?
According to the SMN, the low temperatures can be dangerous, especially for risk groups including infants, children, adults over 65 years of age, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
What preparations are recommended for areas under snowfall warnings?
The SMN advises avoiding travel, using vehicles equipped for ice and snow if driving is necessary, checking the condition of roofs and drainage systems, ventilating indoor spaces to prevent carbon monoxide buildup, and preparing an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, thermal blankets, medications, potable water, and non-perishable food.
How are communities in your region preparing for these multi-hazard weather warnings?
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