Antarctic air front to bring severe frosts, bitter wind chill and rain to Argentina

Winter will return forcefully to much of Argentina during the first weekend of September. A cold front with Antarctic characteristics will advance from Patagonia toward the centre and north, bringing temperatures more typical of July.

The front will bring widespread frosts, very low wind chills, rain, showers and strong gusts. Unusually heavy snow could affect mountain areas, with accumulations of up to 30 centimetres in parts of the Andes. The coldest period is expected from Saturday night, September 5, into the early hours of Sunday, September 6.

Buenos Aires is forecast to see temperatures close to 2°C, while some parts of Greater Buenos Aires could reach or fall below 0°C. In the Patagonian plateau, minimum temperatures could drop to minus 13°C, and daytime temperatures could remain below freezing in some places. The southernmost Patagonia is expected to remain relatively stable, although parts of the coasts of Chubut and Río Negro could see intermittent rain and showers.

Mendoza will face snow, especially in the Andes, along with strong southerly winds. Gusts could exceed 65 km/h, reducing visibility and making the already low wind chill feel even more severe. Snow will also remain possible in the higher areas of the Sierras de San Luis and Córdoba, an unusual prospect so soon after the start of meteorological spring.

On Sunday, high pressure should bring a general improvement in conditions. The Antarctic air will remain in place, however, keeping temperatures below normal for September. In southern Buenos Aires province and northeastern Patagonia, gusts could exceed 50 km/h as the cold flow moves across the region.