An intense irruption of polar air is transforming the weather landscape of much of South America. Forecasts warn of a marked drop in temperatures, the appearance of frost and the possibility of snowfall in several areas, just in the weeks when winter begins in the southern hemisphere. The low temperatures require increased caution and attention to the recommendations of official agencies to avoid the adverse effects of this unusual cold weather.
In this days, Several countries in the Southern Cone are under the influence of this icy air mass. arriving from regions near the poles. This represents a sudden change after a period of temperatures close to normal. The winter dynamics are clearly intensifying, and atmospheric stability favors cold mornings and clear skies in most of the territory.
Chile: frost, lows below zero and risk of frost
In Chile, The arrival of polar air is expected for the second half of this week, coinciding with the days before the official start of winter.. It is expected Minimum temperatures could drop to -2°C in the Metropolitan Region and even lower values in areas such as Lonquimay or mountainous areas of La Araucanía, where thermometers could reach up to -5 °C. The cold will also affect regions such as Valparaíso, O'Higgins, Maule, Los Ríos and Aysén, where the minimum temperatures will range between 0 °C and 2 °C depending on the presence of cloudiness or rain.
Morning frosts, frost on the ground and the risk of freezing both on roads and crops These are some of the consequences of this polar air, which leads the authorities to recommend special caution in rural and foothill areasIn addition, in the far south, such as Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales (Magallanes), there may be snowfall accompanied by maximum temperatures barely exceeding 4°C and episodes of sleet.
Argentina: widespread frost and freezing temperatures in much of the country
Argentina is no exception to the effects of this phenomenon. A polar air mass is moving from the south and will extend northwards, causing a abrupt drop in temperatures and widespread frost, especially in the central and western parts of the country. The strongest impact is expected between Monday and Tuesday of next week, with Minimum temperatures could drop to -8 °C in areas of the central-west such as San Luis, and sub-zero records in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza and La Pampa.
During this frigid episode, The atmosphere will remain very stable, with clear or partly cloudy skies and a very low probability of rain for at least ten days.Some isolated showers may occur in coastal areas of southeastern Buenos Aires, although they will be of little significance.
The cold mornings and persistent negative temperatures They increase the risk of severe frost, with a direct impact on agriculture and daily life in rural areas. The southerly wind will increase the feeling of cold, especially at the beginning of the week.
Polar air expansion: Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil will also receive the cold
El Polar air will not be restricted to Chile and Argentina alone.. After settling in central and western Argentina, The ice mass will continue its advance towards the north, covering regions of NEA and NOA. In provinces such as Corrientes, Chaco, Santiago del Estero, Tucumán and Jujuy Minimum temperatures close to or below 0 °C are expected, a situation that will be repeated in areas of southern Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil between Tuesday and Wednesday, with negative values and considerable frost.
This expansion underlines the unusual scope and intensity of the polar irruption of this winter season, affecting both large cities and rural and productive areas of the Southern Cone region.
The cold also affects Sonora with intense winds out of season
In the northwest of Mexico, specifically in Sonora, the authorities have activated a A preventive alert is issued for the arrival of an atypical polar air mass for this time of year, accompanied by winds that could exceed 60 km/h.This phenomenon, expected from June 21 to 24, coincides with the weakening of the anticyclone and the presence of moisture from the Pacific.
The impact on temperatures will be limited, but will help moderate the intense heat. usual in the region, keeping thermometers below 40 °C and generating possible storms and electrical activity in the mountainous area and border with Chihuahua. Authorities insist take extreme precautions against wind and persistent heat, securing objects outside and following civil protection recommendations.
The arrival of polar air marks the beginning of a Winter phase with very marked characteristics in South America and parts of northern Latin America. Intense cold, widespread frost, clear skies and minimum temperatures that will sometimes fall well below 0°C They force the population to prepare and stay informed. Daily life, as well as sectors such as agriculture and traffic, are affected by the passage of this polar air mass, which leaves no region under its influence indifferent.
