An intense wave of polar cold has significantly impacted several regions of South America, mainly in Chile and Argentina. This phenomenon, driven by a high-pressure system, has brought thermometers to historic lows, prompting authorities to issue weather alerts to reduce adverse effects on the population.
Polar Cold in South America: Impact on Chile and Argentina
The climatic event, which is being monitored by the international scientific community, has disrupted daily life with widespread frosts and unusual snowfalls. In Chile, temperatures have led to snowfalls in areas that rarely experience such weather conditions. This has led to the declaration of Preventive Early Warning in the most affected areas to prevent further disruptions.
According to the report by the World Meteorological Organization, released by the Chilean Meteorological Directorate, historic lows have been recorded at various stations in the south and center of the country. In Chillán, thermometers marked an astonishing -9.3 °C, while Puerto Montt and Temuco observed temperatures of -8.1 °C and -7.9 °C respectively.
On the other side of the Andes, the National Meteorological Service of Argentina has issued yellow alerts due to the extreme cold affecting densely populated regions such as Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Santa Fe. The morning frosts have transformed the landscape of the central agricultural areas, while energy consumption for heating has reached worrying levels.
In Patagonia and Cuyo, temperatures have dropped to around -16 °C, creating difficult conditions for livestock and affecting road infrastructure. In provinces like Chubut and Neuquén, temperatures remain below -9 °C, further complicating daily life.
Meanwhile, in coastal cities like Mar del Plata, residential gas consumption has been prioritized, restricting its use in businesses and public buildings to ensure supply to homes.
