Bolivia issues alerts for high winds in Santa Cruz, snow in five departments

Bolivia's National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi) has activated orange alerts due to two distinct weather phenomena affecting the country. Strong winds are predicted to impact Santa Cruz department, while snow is expected in several western and southern regions.

Santa Cruz is bracing for winds reaching speeds of 60 to 90 kilometers per hour. The alert is in effect from Sunday, August 16, through Monday, August 17, and covers several provinces including Andrés Ibáñez, Warnes, Ichilo, Sara, and Obispo Santistevan, as well as parts of Chiquitos, Guarayos, Ñuflo de Chávez, and Cordillera. These adverse conditions are expected to persist throughout Monday.

Meanwhile, a different weather pattern will bring snow to five departments. From Monday night, August 17, to Tuesday night, August 18, weak to moderate snowfall is forecast for areas in Cochabamba, La Paz, Oruro, Potosí, and Tarija. The affected provinces in Cochabamba include Arque and Bolívar, while in La Paz, the alert covers Ingavi, José Manuel Pando, Pacajes, Aroma, and Gualberto Villarroel, along with parts of Los Andes and Murillo.

The snowfall is expected to be more widespread in the high-altitude regions of Oruro and Potosí, impacting numerous provinces. In Tarija, the warning encompasses western areas of the Méndez province. This dual weather forecast highlights the contrasting meteorological conditions Bolivia will face in the coming days, with strong winds in the east and snow in the west and south.