A cold front entered from the Pacific and caused a surprising snowfall in Bariloche and El Bolsón, to the west of Río Negro, on Tuesday, February 10. Until days before, both localities were enduring temperatures close to 30 degrees.
The Cerro Catedral and the summits of Piltriquitrón woke up covered in white, with average records of 4 degrees below zero. Thus, the landscape changed drastically in the middle of the summer season.
According to the National Meteorological Service, the phenomenon is due to the advance of cold air over the mountain range at the height of Río Negro and Neuquén. In addition, it is expected that the winter conditions will remain for at least one more day.
Fire emergency in Patagonia
The climatic contrast occurs amid a crisis due to forest fires affecting the region. Weeks ago, the national Government declared the Fire Emergency for one year in Río Negro, Chubut, La Pampa, and Neuquén.
The measure was formalized on January 30 through the Decree of Necessity and Urgency 73/2026. Since then, the Federal Emergency Agency has coordinated actions for fire prevention and combat.
The decision was made after more than a month of fires that devastated native forests, productive areas, and residential zones. In Epuyén, for example, it was confirmed that a hundred houses burned down in the last two years.
In parallel, the Ministry of Security announced the allocation of $129.244 million to strengthen the National Volunteer Firefighters System. The funds will be allocated to equipment and training in the face of increasingly frequent disasters.
How the snowfall can help combat forest fires
The snowfall represents a temporary relief in a context of water stress and high temperatures. By covering the ground and vegetation, it increases the surface humidity and reduces flammability.
In addition, the low temperatures decrease the likelihood of new active outbreaks. The cooling of the air and soil slows down the spread of flames in critical areas.
On the other hand, the accumulation of snow can turn into a progressive water supply as it melts. This process contributes to recharging soils and watercourses affected by drought.
However, specialists warn that the benefit may be temporary if dry and windy conditions return. Therefore, monitoring and prevention remain essential.
Precautions and future challenges
While the climatic phenomenon modifies the scenario, Civil Defense requested to take extreme precautions on Route 40. The corridor connects various localities between Río Negro and Neuquén and may present ice on the road.
The alternation between extreme heat and intense cold events reflects the growing climatic variability. These changes deepen the vulnerability of the Patagonian ecosystems.
Thus, the snowfall offers a respite amid the emergency, but it does not solve the structural problem. The restoration of forests and the comprehensive fire management remain key to reducing future risks.
