Argentina Issues Extreme Weather Alerts for Cold, Storms, and Zonda Wind

Argentina faces a severe weather event with the National Meteorological Service (SMN) issuing multiple alerts across 12 provinces for Monday, July 27. The warnings include extreme cold, heavy storms, and the Zonda wind, a hot, dry wind common in the Andes region.

A red alert for extreme cold has been declared for western Santa Cruz, where temperatures could have "high to extreme effects on health," posing significant danger even to healthy individuals. Milder yellow alerts for cold are in place for Chubut and Tierra del Fuego. The SMN advises avoiding prolonged exposure to low temperatures, layering clothing, and ensuring homes are safely heated.

Meanwhile, yellow alerts for storms are active in southern Buenos Aires province, Entre Ríos, Santa Fe, and Corrientes. These areas can expect isolated storms of varying intensity, some potentially strong, with heavy rain, hail, strong gusts, and significant electrical activity. Accumulated rainfall could reach 20 to 50 millimeters, possibly exceeding these amounts in specific locations.

Further weather hazards include yellow alerts for rain in eastern Chubut and Santa Cruz, with persistent precipitation expected. A yellow alert for Zonda wind affects northern Mendoza, San Juan, and La Rioja, with speeds potentially reaching 30-45 km/h and gusts over 70 km/h, possibly reducing visibility and increasing temperatures. Additionally, a naranja alert for heavy snowfall is in effect for western Mendoza, anticipating 40 to 70 centimeters of accumulated snow.