Argentina issues red, orange, and yellow alerts for extreme cold, snow, rain, and wind

Argentina's National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued a series of severe weather alerts across the country for Sunday, August 2. Red, orange, and yellow warnings are in effect for extreme cold, heavy snowfall, rain, and strong winds, affecting eight provinces.

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very dangerous

The highest level, a red alert for extreme cold, is active in western Santa Cruz. The SMN warns of "very dangerous" health effects from the extreme temperatures, which could reach lows of -3°C. This level of cold poses significant risks, potentially impacting even healthy individuals. Yellow alerts for cold are also in place for Tierra del Fuego and the Malvinas Islands, posing moderate risks, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

Further complicating the weather picture, an orange alert for heavy snowfall has been issued for northwestern Neuquén and western Mendoza. Persistent snowfall is expected, with accumulations potentially reaching 50 to 100 centimeters, accompanied by reduced visibility. Yellow alerts for snowfall are also active in parts of San Juan, Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, and Santa Cruz, forecasting lesser but still significant accumulations.

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may affect all people, even healthy ones

The SMN provides specific recommendations for each alert. For extreme cold, it advises limiting outdoor exposure, wearing layered clothing, and maintaining safe indoor heating. For heavy snowfall, the guidance includes avoiding non-essential travel, checking on roofs, ventilating homes to prevent carbon monoxide buildup, and preparing emergency supplies like food, water, and medication.

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persistent snowfall of varying intensity, at times heavy