AMBA polar wave: coldest day of the week and areas with frost

An intense cold wave has swept across the Argentine Metropolitan Area (AMBA), bringing record-breaking temperatures and widespread frost. The National Weather Service (SMN) confirmed the arrival of a powerful polar air mass affecting much of the country, particularly the capital city of Buenos Aires and its surrounding areas. This phenomenon marks one of the coldest periods in recent history, with temperatures dropping below freezing in several regions. The cold spell began on Wednesday, July 1, and is expected to last until Friday, July 3, with the latter day being recorded as the coldest of the year so far in the AMBA region.

The polar air mass first entered the southern part of the country, specifically Patagonia, before spreading northward across Argentina. According to the SMN, this movement of extremely cold air has led to significant temperature drops, with minimum temperatures in parts of the southern suburbs of Buenos Aires falling below zero degrees Celsius. Areas such as Ezeiza, Cañuelas, Quilmes, and Berazategui have been hit hardest by the cold snap, experiencing frost early in the morning. Meanwhile, the central area of Buenos Aires and the northern parts of the Greater Buenos Aires region will see temperatures hovering around 1 degree Celsius. Despite the extreme cold, skies remain clear without any chance of precipitation on Friday.

The cold wave extends beyond the AMBA, impacting other provinces in northern Argentina, including Salta and Tucumán, where temperatures are expected to drop to around 2 and 7 degrees Celsius respectively. The effects of the polar air mass also reach neighboring countries such as Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. Meteorologists predict widespread snowfall across western Argentina from Wednesday to Thursday, with notable accumulations near Mendoza and San Juan. Historical records show that the lowest temperature ever recorded in Buenos Aires was -5.4 degrees Celsius on July 9, 1918, while the snowfall on July 9, 2007 remains a memorable event for many residents.

Residents are preparing for a week of severe cold, with authorities urging extra precautions for children and elderly individuals, ensuring pets are protected, and using heating systems carefully to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. The weather models suggest that temperatures will return to more normal levels starting next weekend.

In Mar del Plata, a coastal city known for its warm climate, an unexpected snowfall occurred after 22 years, marking a rare event. Residents were caught off guard when the city awoke to a blanket of snow, transforming beaches and public spaces into a winter wonderland. This unusual occurrence quickly went viral on social media, with images of snow-covered streets and parks capturing the attention of both national and international audiences. The last significant snowfall in Mar del Plata was recorded on July 10, 2004, making this event even more remarkable.

The snowfall in Mar del Plata was made possible by a combination of factors, including extremely low temperatures, the presence of a strong polar air mass, sufficient humidity, and atmospheric conditions that allowed snowflakes to reach the ground without melting. The city's minimum temperature reached -3 degrees Celsius, contributing significantly to the formation of snow. While some areas experienced heavier snowfall, others saw a mix of snow and sleet due to fluctuating temperatures. The sight of vehicles covered in rime ice and frozen park benches created a surreal landscape, contrasting sharply with the typical summer scenery associated with Mar del Plata.

As the cold wave continues to affect various parts of Argentina, the impact on daily life becomes increasingly evident. Schools in Mendoza have suspended in-person classes due to extreme cold and heavy snowfall, highlighting the severity of the situation. Authorities and meteorological services continue to monitor the evolving weather patterns, providing updates and guidance to ensure public safety during this unprecedented cold spell.