An abrupt weather shift is underway across Argentina as a new wave of polar air advances over a large portion of the country following several days of spring-like temperatures in the central and northern regions, according to the latest forecasts. The meteorological phenomenon brings strong storms, persistent snowfall, whiteout conditions, and intense gusts of wind. Before the cold air settles, instability impacts various northern provinces with precipitation that could exceed 90 millimeters, while a combination of snow and wind significantly reduces visibility across Patagonia and Cuyo.
Severe Storms and Heavy Rainfall Across Northern Provinces
The advance of the cold front is preceded by a more humid and unstable atmosphere over northern Argentina, according to a report by Meteored. Storms affect parts of the southern NOA, Córdoba, and San Luis, bringing gusts and rainfall accumulations that could locally exceed 30 millimeters. The most prominent situation unfolds in the northeast, particularly in Misiones, where accumulations near 100 millimeters are estimated over a 72-hour period.
https://x.com/MeteoredAR/status/2098065172384350569
An alert for heavy rain and storms remains in effect for Misiones, warning of abundant precipitation in short periods, frequent electrical activity, possible hail, and intense gusts reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour. During the early morning and morning of Friday, September 11, these conditions expand toward Santiago del Estero, northern and central Santa Fe, Chaco, Corrientes, and Formosa. In total, ten provinces remain under alert for strong storms as the instability spreads.
Did You Know? Prior to the arrival of this polar air mass, parts of central and northern Argentina experienced several days of warm, spring-like temperatures with readings approaching 20°C in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area.
Persistent Snowfall and Whiteout Risks in Patagonia
The Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) issued an alert for persistent snowfall in Tierra del Fuego, where accumulations could reach 15 centimeters alongside southern winds. The warning also covers the cordillera and plateau of Chubut, where accumulated snow may reach 30 centimeters. A cold, moist air mass drives persistent and at times heavy snowfall across the southern region of Cuyo and the central and northern parts of Patagonia, extending beyond cordillera areas into the plateau sectors.
https://x.com/SMN_Argentina/status/2098016848763634083
On Friday, September 11, the northern part of Neuquén faces an orange alert for snow, with expected accumulations of up to 40 centimeters that could be surpassed locally. Values of up to 25 centimeters are projected for the cordillera and southern Mendoza, western and central Neuquén, Río Negro, and Chubut. Intense wind gusts accompany the snowfall, creating whiteout conditions and severely reducing visibility due to suspended snow.
Expert Insight: As meteorologists track the southward rotation of winds and the progressive entry of cold air, the sharp contrast between unseasonable warmth and an incoming polar front highlights the speed at which regional weather conditions can pivot during seasonal transitions in Argentina.
Polar Air Reaches the Central Region and AMBA
As the cold front moves across Cuyo and the Pampeana region on Friday, shifting winds toward the south trigger a sharp drop in temperatures. The SMN maintains an alert for gusts reaching up to 65 kilometers per hour across La Pampa, the center and south of Buenos Aires province including the Atlantic Coast, western and south San Luis, and eastern and central Mendoza. In northern Buenos Aires, including the Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (AMBA), southeastern gusts could exceed 50 kilometers per hour alongside heavy cloud cover.
During Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, polar air settles across much of the country, establishing a fully winter-like environment with low temperatures and the potential for new frosts. In the AMBA region, conditions change abruptly from sunny, spring-like weather to a weekend dominated by cold, wind, and clouds. Furthermore, southeastern winds could cause a rise in the Río de la Plata, affecting parts of the riverbank coast. Minimum temperatures are forecast to drop to 5°C in the city of Buenos Aires on Sunday, September 13, with even lower figures anticipated in various districts of the Buenos Aires conurbano.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weather conditions are accompanying the polar air irruption?
The phenomenon is accompanied by strong storms, persistent snowfall, whiteout conditions, and intense wind gusts across large parts of the country.
Which provinces are facing alerts for heavy rainfall and storms?
Ten provinces remain under alert, with Misiones expecting accumulations near 100 millimeters over 72 hours, alongside impacts in southern NOA, Córdoba, San Luis, Santiago del Estero, northern and central Santa Fe, Chaco, Corrientes, and Formosa.
What are the expected minimum temperatures in Buenos Aires over the weekend?
Minimum temperatures are forecast to reach down to 5°C in the city of Buenos Aires on Sunday, September 13, while suburban localities in the conurbano bonaerense could register lower values.
How will you prepare for the sudden drop in temperatures and incoming storms in your region?
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