After a scorching Thursday that saw temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius in central Argentina, a dramatic shift in weather is on the horizon. While Buenos Aires and its surrounding areas experienced a more moderate climb, with the thermometer exceeding 30 degrees, the National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued warnings for storms across the region.
The AMBA (Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area) is expected to see isolated storms Thursday night, following a day where the temperature peaked at 32.4 degrees Celsius at 5 p.m. The intensity of the storms is predicted to escalate on friday morning, with a 70 to 100% chance of rain and strong winds gusting between 42 and 50 kilometers per hour. Despite the continued high temperatures, with a forecast of 29 degrees Celsius, Saturday is expected to bring relief with a maximum temperature of 21 degrees Celsius.
While the AMBA is not in the most severely affected area, 13 provinces across Argentina are currently under alert for storms, rain, and strong winds. Three of these provinces are under an orange alert,signifying a heightened risk.
The province of Buenos Aires is under a yellow alert, covering its central, western, southern, and extreme northern regions. As Thursday afternoon,the SMN has issued short-term warnings for strong storms with intense rainfall,strong gusts,and “occasional hail fall” in the center and south of Buenos Aires.Storm activity is also being reported in the central regions of the country.
Córdoba, Corrientes, La Pampa, La Rioja, Misiones, San Luis, and Santa Fe are also under yellow alerts. Córdoba experienced extreme heat on Thursday, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in several locations, including 42.8 degrees Celsius in Chuá and 40.8 degrees Celsius in Villa Dolores.
Orange alerts are in effect for storms in Entre Ríos and for heavy rainfall in Chubut and Río Negro. The SMN warns that “dangerous meteorological phenomena are expected for society, life, property, and the environment.” In Chubut, the orange alert was already in force for a larger portion of the territory on Thursday, and it is expected to worsen on Friday, affecting the Valdés Peninsula and the Atlantic coast.
Mendoza is also on alert for strong winds, a phenomenon that could also impact San Juan and La Rioja. In some Mendoza towns, such as Malargüe and uspallata, Friday classes have been canceled as a precautionary measure.
How the Weather Will Continue in the City and Greater Buenos Aires
Get ready for a mixed bag of weather this weekend in the AMBA. Friday kicks off with a chance of storms and morning showers, with temperatures ranging from a low of 20 degrees to a high of 29 degrees. Expect mostly cloudy skies in the afternoon, giving way to partly cloudy conditions at night.
The good news is,the weekend looks dry. saturday will be partly cloudy throughout the day,with agreeable temperatures between 14 and 21 degrees.Sunday will follow suit, with partly cloudy skies and a slightly cooler range of 13 to 24 degrees.
## From Scorching heat to Stormy skies: Expert Explains Argentina’s Rapid Weather Shift
**World-Today-News.com** sat down with Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a leading meteorologist and researcher at the University of Buenos Aires, to discuss the dramatic change in weather gripping central Argentina.
**WTN:** Dr.Gonzalez, after a brutal heatwave in central Argentina, the forecast is predicting a notable shift with storms expected in Buenos Aires and surrounding areas. Can you shed some light on what’s causing this rapid change?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Absolutely. This sudden shift is due to a complex interplay of atmospheric conditions. The intense heatwave we experienced was driven by a persistent high-pressure system that trapped hot air over the region. However, this system is now weakening as a cold front approaches from the south. this front will clash with the warm, moist air mass, leading to the formation of thunderstorms.
**WTN:** The National Meteorological Service has issued warnings about the intensity of these storms, notably on Friday. What can residents expect?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Residents in the AMBA shoudl be prepared for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible hailstorms, particularly on friday morning. Wind gusts could reach up to 50 km/h, perhaps causing power outages and downed trees. Additionally, localized flooding is possible in areas with poor drainage.
**WTN:** While the storms are expected to bring some relief from the heat,are there any concerns about the potential impact on the already dry conditions in some areas?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** That’s a valid concern.While the rainfall is welcome,it’s unlikely to be enough to significantly alleviate the drought conditions affecting parts of the region. We need sustained rainfall over a longer period to have a meaningful impact on water reserves.
**WTN:** what advice would you give to residents preparing for these stormy conditions?
**Dr.Gonzalez:** My primary advice is to stay informed about weather updates and heed the warnings from the National Meteorological Service. Ensure you have a safety plan in place, including securing loose objects outdoors, preparing an emergency kit, and knowing where to seek shelter during severe weather.
**WTN:** Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez, for your valuable insights.We appreciate your expertise in helping our readers understand this dynamic weather situation.