Heat Alert Front and Extreme Weather Phenomena: Risk Forecasts for Multiple Provinces

The National Meteorological Service (SMN) announced that for a specific day of variable conditions in Argentina, a complex warning system was activated, ranging from red heat alerts to severe storm warnings. While the Greater Buenos Aires Area (AMBA) will remain under relatively stable conditions, the rest of the country will face significant risk phenomena requiring attention from local authorities and the population.

Red Warnings: Zones of Maximum Risk Due to Extreme Heat

Northwest Corrientes and eastern Chaco, including both provincial capitals, are under red heat alert, the highest weather risk category. These warnings indicate “very dangerous” conditions that can affect everyone, even those in optimal health, leading to “high to extreme” public health consequences. In these areas, temperatures will reach approximately 34°C, posing a significant danger to the general population.

Orange Alerts: Dangerous Temperatures in Northern Sectors

Formosa, northern Chaco, eastern Salta, and San Pedro in Misiones are under orange heat alerts, indicating “very dangerous” conditions with a particular impact on vulnerable populations. In these regions, maximum temperatures could reach up to 37°C. The agency under the Ministry of Defense emphasizes the high risk, especially for children, seniors over 65, and those with chronic illnesses.

Remaining areas of Misiones, Corrientes, Santa Cruz, Chubut, Río Negro, and Neuquén will be under yellow alerts for high temperatures. Although less critical than higher categories, these warnings indicate potentially dangerous conditions for sensitive groups. In the north, maximums are expected near 33°C, while in the south, around 31°C.

Official Guidelines for Extreme Temperatures

In response to this intense heat scenario, the SMN provided specific recommendations for the entire population:

• Increase water intake significantly, even before feeling thirsty
• Avoid direct sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Reduce physical activity intensity
• Stay in ventilated and cool spaces
• Pay special attention to small children, the elderly, and people with chronic conditions

If symptoms such as dizziness, extreme exhaustion, severe headaches, or loss of consciousness occur, seek immediate medical assistance and move the affected person to a cool environment.

Storm Phenomena Alert System

San Luis will be the only province under orange alert for strong storms, which pose considerable risks to society, infrastructure, property, and ecosystems. Severe weather manifestations are expected, including hail, intense lightning, and wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h. Accumulated rainfall will range between 60 and 100 millimeters over short periods.

A broad set of northern and central provinces—Misiones, Jujuy, Salta, Formosa, Chaco, Santiago del Estero, Tucumán, La Rioja, Catamarca, Córdoba, San Juan, and Mendoza—will be under yellow alerts for storm activity, with gusts up to 80 km/h and rainfall accumulations of 40 to 60 millimeters. These events could cause damage and temporary disruptions to daily activities.

In the Andean region, precipitation may fall as snow or hail in higher altitude areas. Additionally, the southern mountain zone of Santa Cruz, particularly El Calafate, will be under yellow alert for heavy rain, with accumulated rainfall of 15 to 30 millimeters.

Preventive Measures for Storm Events

The agency recommended the population take the following precautions:

• Follow instructions issued by local authorities carefully
• Limit travel to essential needs
• Stay indoors in enclosed structures such as homes, schools, or public offices
• Disconnect appliances and cut off electrical supply if water ingress occurs
• Stay away from exposed doors and windows
• Avoid flood-prone areas and do not walk through flooded streets
• Secure or remove objects that could be displaced by strong winds
• Prepare an emergency kit with drinking water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, and a flashlight

Forecast for the Greater Buenos Aires Area

After a previous day marked by intermittent rain, the AMBA will experience somewhat unpleasant weather but no severe phenomena. Temperatures will slightly decrease, averaging 24°C, with lows of 19°C and highs of 28°C. The sky will remain partly cloudy throughout the day, with winds between 23 and 31 km/h and humidity at 81%.

For the weekend, both Saturday and Sunday will feature cloudy and windy conditions, maintaining relative temperature stability with slight increases.

Provincial Temperature Map: Expected Temperatures

The SMN projected the following conditions across the country:

Northern and Northeastern Regions: Córdoba (max 30°C, min 16°C); Tucumán (26°C/20°C); Jujuy (26°C/19°C); Salta (26°C/18°C); Misiones (31°C/21°C); Corrientes (35°C/23°C); Formosa (37°C/24°C); Chaco (35°C/23°C).

Central Regions: Santa Fe (30°C/20°C); Entre Ríos (30°C/20°C); La Rioja (29°C/20°C); Catamarca (30°C/21°C); Santiago del Estero (34°C/24°C); San Luis (29°C/19°C); San Juan (29°C max, 20°C min); La Pampa (32°C/13°C).

Cuyo and Patagonia Regions: Mendoza (27°C/18°C); Río Negro (32°C/14°C); Chubut (31°C/16°C); Neuquén (33°C/11°C); Santa Cruz (max 26°C, min 12°C); Tierra del Fuego (15°C/5°C).

This complex weather pattern underscores the importance of staying informed through official channels and following the preventive measures recommended by the SMN, especially in areas where red heat alerts and severe storms pose immediate risks to the population.