Breaking Heat Wave: Severe Heat Alerts and Storm Warnings Across Argentina
The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued a weather forecast for Monday, January 6, warning of heat wave alerts of varying levels across different provinces. In addition, the service has detailed that in some regions, the alert includes strong storms with the potential for significant damage and interruption of daily activities.
As with Sunday, extreme heat will affect 12 provinces, but with varying intensities. In Santiago del Estero (maximum 38°C, minimum 26°C), Córdoba (32°C, 25°C), the east of La Rioja (37°C, 26°C), Santa Fe (34°C, 22°C), Entre Ríos (33°C, 21°C), and the north and south of Buenos Aires province (35°C, 18°C), the alert is yellow.
In these areas, temperatures could be dangerous, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. In the Greater Buenos Aires area, a mostly sunny day is expected with highs of 29°C.
Meanwhile, the organism has also indicated that some regions will be under orange alerts. This includes the northwest of San Luis with peaks of 36°C, similar to what is expected in the north of Mendoza. Both territories are also under alert for severe storms that are expected to form after midday and continue into the night, helping to cool temperatures. Adding to these alerts are all regions in the western cordillera and glaciers of Chubut, where highs could reach 27°C and 32°C.
Moreover, the SMN has issued a red alert for extreme heat considered "very dangerous" and potentially affecting all individuals, even those in good health, in the region between the north of Río Negro in General Roca, the east and capital of Neuquén, and the extreme southwest of La Pampa. Temperatures are expected to reach an average of 37°C with a perceived temperature of around 40°C and high humidity levels. Early morning rains are expected to contain the extreme heat, with strong storms that could include hail. The rest of Neuquén and the west of Río Negro (including Bariloche) are under a yellow alert.