Uruguay Faces Heavy Rains, Intense Storms, and Severe Hail as Temperatures Plummet

Uruguay is bracing for a substantial shift in weather as heavy rains, intense electrical storms, and severe hail are forecast to impact the country from Thursday through at least Monday. Meteorologists are observing a complex weather system driven by high pressure over the Atlantic, drawing in unusually warm and humid air.

Matías Mederos, a storm chaser and meteorology student, noted that temperatures could reach 30°C (86°F) in northern Argentina and Uruguay, which is unseasonable for this time of year. He suggested these warm air intrusions might be linked to the El Niño phenomenon. Mederos was heading to the Tacuarembó department and then to Brazil to track storms in real-time.

The forecast indicates that from Friday morning through the weekend, "locally intense and abundant rains and storms with intense electrical activity and hail are expected in the north of the country." In the north, temperatures could reach highs of 28°C to 31°C (82°F to 88°F) in Artigas. However, south of the Río Negro, a cold front is expected to arrive Friday afternoon or evening, bringing temperatures down to 18°C-19°C (64°F-66°F), with a further significant drop expected by Sunday.

The Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology (Inumet) predicts a sharp temperature decline over the weekend. Montevideo, which could see highs of 25°C (77°F) on Friday, will experience a drop to around 20°C (68°F) on Saturday and a low of 10°C (50°F) by Sunday. The capital can expect cloudy skies with improving conditions, but rain and storms are likely on Friday and Saturday. By Sunday, rain chances decrease, but strong southerly winds will make it feel colder, with highs only reaching 13°C (55°F). The forecast suggests a return of high rain probability on Monday.