The polar cold wave in Argentina is hitting a large part of the country this week with below-zero temperatures. This is creating a scenario of extreme cold that has been going on for several days and is expected to continue.
According to the National Meteorological Service (SMN), the phenomenon will persist for much of this week, with alerts in multiple provinces in the central and southern part of the country.
Polar cold wave in Argentina: which provinces are under alert for extreme cold
The most affected areas by the polar cold wave are the provinces of Buenos Aires, Córdoba, La Pampa, Mendoza, San Luis, San Juan, Río Negro, Neuquén, Chubut, and Santa Cruz.
In these regions, yellow and orange alerts were issued, indicating risk conditions for health, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory diseases.
the polar cold wave in Argentina.
In localities in Patagonia, minimum temperatures reached -10 °C, with even lower wind chill temperatures.
In the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA), the thermometer dropped below 0 °C on several consecutive days.
How long will this cold wave last
The SMN estimates that the conditions will persist until midweek, with a probability of intense frosts during mornings and nights.
Starting from Thursday or Friday, a slight increase in temperatures could be recorded, although it is expected that the winter weather will continue with new incursions of cold air in the coming days.
Experts explain that this polar cold wave is due to the advance of a mass of air of Antarctic origin, which caused a sudden drop in temperatures in much of the country.
These types of events are common during winter, but this year they are occurring with remarkable intensity.
Recommendations for extreme cold
Authorities recommend taking precautions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, dressing warmly for children and the elderly, and avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure.
It is also advised to keep the environments ventilated and follow official meteorological information channels.
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Why did this polar cold wave arrive
This phenomenon is associated with the arrival of a polar air mass from the south of the continent. This interacts with atmospheric stability conditions, favoring clear nights and very low minimum temperatures.
