LATEST
Milei Reshuffles Cabinet with Santilli, Embracing Political Pragmatism Buenos Aires Teachers' Strike: Wage Negotiations Stalled Amid Inflation Crisis Polar Alert in Argentina's Wine Country: Mendoza Suspends Classes Due to Extreme Cold Magnitude 4 Earthquake Shakes Córdoba: Epicenter and Affected Areas Venezuela: 3-Year-Old Boy Rescued After 6 Days Under Earthquake Rubble South Africa Deploys Massive Police Force Ahead of Anti-Immigrant Marches Sparking Fear Niger Launches Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Community with Dozens of Arrests The Simple Gesture That Could Save You From Catching a Cold This Winter Global Alert: 32% of Eating Disorder Patients Use Weight Loss Injections Without Medical Supervision Netherlands and Their Historic Curse: Fourth World Cup Penalty Elimination Milei Reshuffles Cabinet with Santilli, Embracing Political Pragmatism Buenos Aires Teachers' Strike: Wage Negotiations Stalled Amid Inflation Crisis Polar Alert in Argentina's Wine Country: Mendoza Suspends Classes Due to Extreme Cold Magnitude 4 Earthquake Shakes Córdoba: Epicenter and Affected Areas Venezuela: 3-Year-Old Boy Rescued After 6 Days Under Earthquake Rubble South Africa Deploys Massive Police Force Ahead of Anti-Immigrant Marches Sparking Fear Niger Launches Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Community with Dozens of Arrests The Simple Gesture That Could Save You From Catching a Cold This Winter Global Alert: 32% of Eating Disorder Patients Use Weight Loss Injections Without Medical Supervision Netherlands and Their Historic Curse: Fourth World Cup Penalty Elimination
Español English 中文 Português Français Italiano Deutsch العربية Русский اردو

Polar Alert in Argentina's Wine Country: Mendoza Suspends Classes Due to Extreme Cold

01/07/2026 09:15 - Actualidad

❄️ A Winter Storm Hits Argentina's Andes Region

The General Directorate of Schools of Mendoza confirmed the suspension of in-person classes for this Wednesday, July 1st due to extremely low temperatures forecasted to reach -5°C (23°F) in some areas of this western Argentine province located at the foothills of the Andes Mountains.

For international readers: Mendoza is Argentina's premier wine-producing province, famous for Malbec wines and located about 1,000 km (620 miles) west of Buenos Aires, bordering Chile. The region known as "Cuyo" (mentioned in local reports) encompasses the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan, and San Luis.

🗺️ Affected Areas (Departments)

In Argentina, "departments" are administrative divisions similar to counties in the United States.

  • San CarlosUco Valley
  • TupungatoUco Valley
  • TunuyánUco Valley
  • MalargüeSouthern Mendoza
  • San RafaelSouthern Mendoza
  • General AlvearSouthern Mendoza

Also included: Potrerillos (Las Heras department) and Uspallata (Luján de Cuyo department) - both popular tourist destinations for mountain activities.

⚠️ Orange Alert from National Weather Service

Argentina's National Meteorological Service (SMN) - the country's official weather agency equivalent to the National Weather Service in the US - issued an orange alert for persistent snowfall that could be heavy at times.

  • 🌨️ Expected accumulation: 5-10 centimeters (2-4 inches) of snow
  • 💨 Winds: gusts up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in high mountain areas
  • 🌡️ Temperatures: lows of -5°C (23°F) in rural zones
  • 🌧️ Precipitation: possible sleet in lower elevations

📋 Understanding Argentina's Alert System

According to the SMN, an orange alert indicates that dangerous weather phenomena are expected, posing risks to society, life, property, and the environment. This is the second-highest alert level in Argentina's three-tier system (yellow, orange, red).

📌 Safety Recommendations:

  • Avoid unnecessary travel
  • Check road conditions before driving (Argentina's highways can be dangerous in winter)
  • Drive vehicles prepared for snow and ice conditions
  • Carry chains, warm clothing, water, and food
  • Keep mobile phones fully charged

🌡️ Weather Forecast

DayHighLowConditions
Wednesday 1/77°C (45°F)1°C (34°F)Snow and sleet
Thursday 2/75°C (41°F)-5°C (23°F)Intense frost

🍷 About the Region

The affected areas include the famous Uco Valley, one of South America's most prestigious wine regions, located at high altitude (900-1,700 meters / 3,000-5,600 feet above sea level). The winter snow is actually beneficial for the vineyards, providing natural irrigation when it melts in spring.

Today's News
Alfredo's Column Alfredo S. Quiroga

Alfredo S. Quiroga