Polar Cold Wave Hits Argentina, Chile and Uruguay – 15 Dead and Record Low Temperatures

Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay are currently experiencing a severe cold snap caused by an Antarctic polar air mass, leading to record-low temperatures and claiming the lives of at least 15 people. Governments have been forced to implement emergency measures including restrictions on natural gas use and the establishment of temporary shelters for the homeless. In Argentina, at least nine homeless individuals have died due to the extreme cold this winter, according to NGO Proyecto 7. In Buenos Aires, temperatures dropped to -1.9°C on Wednesday, marking the lowest level in 34 years. Power outages triggered by high demand left thousands without electricity for over 24 hours in certain areas. Snow has blanketed beaches along Argentina’s Atlantic coast, while in the Patagonian community of Makkintso, temperatures plummeted to -18°C on Tuesday. The government suspended natural gas supply to businesses and fuel stations on Wednesday to ensure sufficient reserves for households. In Uruguay, where temperatures also fell below zero in some regions, authorities declared a national red alert after six deaths. Under the red alert, the government can relocate homeless individuals to temporary shelters. In Montevideo, the highest temperature recorded on June 30 was 5.8°C, the lowest since 1967, according to meteorologist Mario Bidagayen. Chile also activated its emergency shelter plan for the homeless. In the city of Chillán, 400 kilometers south of Santiago, temperatures reached -9.3°C, according to the country’s meteorological service. Snowfall was reported in parts of the Atacama Desert—the driest desert in the world—for the first time in a decade. Climatologist Raúl Córdova from the University of Santiago explained that the cold wave is due to a massive movement of polar air from Antarctica. Conditions are expected to improve in the coming days.