The Area Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (AMBA) and much of Argentina are bracing for a sharp drop in temperatures this week as a polar air mass moves across the country. According to Meteored and the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN), the arrival of this cold front will clear skies and lead to significantly colder mornings, with temperatures in parts of the Buenos Aires suburbs expected to approach 0 °C.
Did You Know? The current cold snap is expected to be more intense than the initial temperatures recorded at the start of the winter season, with Thursday projected to be the coldest day of the week.
What is the forecast for the Buenos Aires region?
In the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, maximum temperatures will not exceed 14 °C through Tuesday, while minimums are expected to remain below 5 °C. The situation is more severe in suburban areas, where thermometers could drop to 0 °C, creating conditions favorable for frost. Meteored reports that as cloud cover dissipates, the lack of cloud insulation at night will cause temperatures to fall rapidly. By Wednesday, a new wave of polar air is expected to arrive, with the coldest conditions in the AMBA occurring between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, when temperatures could reach 2 °C.
How is the rest of the country being affected?
While the center of the country prepares for the chill, the southern region is already experiencing the effects of the polar front. The SMN has issued an alert for snowfall and high winds in Tierra del Fuego and Santa Cruz. In non-coastal areas of Río Grande and Ushuaia, snow accumulation is expected to reach between 10 and 30 cm, with the possibility of rain or sleet in lower elevations. Winds in these regions are forecast to reach speeds of 40 to 60 km/h, with gusts as high as 90 km/h.
Expert Insight: The severity of this weather event is amplified by the lack of cloud cover. While clear skies often signal fair weather, in the context of a polar air mass, they act as a “trap” that allows ground heat to escape, which is why the most significant drops in temperature are occurring during the early morning hours rather than during the day.
What might happen next?
Meteorological trends suggest a period of sustained cold, as the polar air remains settled over the center of the country through mid-week. Following the peak of the cold on Thursday, a slight improvement is expected on Friday, with predicted maximums of 13 °C and minimums of 4 °C. Throughout the remainder of the week, precipitation is not expected in the AMBA, and the cold air will continue to influence central and northern provinces, where warnings for extreme temperatures are already in effect for Córdoba, Mendoza, La Rioja, San Luis, and Entre Ríos.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will temperatures be at their lowest in the AMBA?
The coldest period is expected between late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, with temperatures dropping to approximately 2 °C.
Are there any weather alerts currently in effect?
Yes, the SMN has issued an alert for snow and high winds in Tierra del Fuego and Santa Cruz, and a warning for extreme cold in Córdoba, Mendoza, La Rioja, San Luis, and Entre Ríos.
Is rain expected in the Buenos Aires region this week?
No, the probability of precipitation is considered null for the current week as the cold front clears the skies.
How are you preparing for the sub-zero temperatures expected in the coming days?
