Argentina under polar wave

The polar wave in argentina is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by a sudden and significant drop in temperatures, due to the entry of a mass of cold air from the Antarctic continent or the south of the country. These polar waves tend to especially affect the central, southern and eastern regions of Argentina, although they can sometimes extend northwards.

Explanation of the phenomenon

Polar waves occur when a high-pressure system pushes very cold air from Antarctica towards Argentine territory. This can happen due to:

• Advance of a cold front associated with a low pressure system.
• Influence of the polar wind, which carries frigid air to lower latitudes.
• Loss of cloudiness, which favors nighttime cooling (frost).

Duration

A polar wave in Argentina usually lasts between 3 and 7 days, although in extreme cases it can persist longer, especially in Patagonia. The lowest temperatures are usually recorded during the early morning and early hours of the morning.

Geographical scope

The most affected regions are:

• Patagonia (Chubut, Santa Cruz, Tierra del Fuego): temperatures below zero, snowfall and intense winds.
• Center of the country (Buenos Aires, La Pampa, Córdoba, south of Santa Fe): intense frosts, minimums close to 0°C or below.
• Cuyo and northern Argentina (in extreme cases): notable decline, although less intense than in the south.

Impact

• Agriculture: Damage to crops due to frost.
• Energy: Increase in electricity consumption due to heating.
• Health: Risk of hypothermia and respiratory diseases.
• Transportation: Possible road closures due to snow or ice (especially in Patagonia).

Example:

In June 2024, a polar wave affected much of Argentina, with temperatures of -12°C in Bariloche and -5°C in Buenos Aires, accompanied by unusual snowfall in low-lying areas.

Close