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Winter Wonderland and Weather Alert: Snow Blankets San Juan, Argentina

21/07/2026 03:40 - Actualidad

San Juan alerta meteorológica protección civil nieve Calingasta

A Spectacular Landscape with an Active Weather Alert

The Argentine province of San Juan, located in the western part of the country at the foothills of the majestic Andes Mountains, is experiencing a contrasting winter day. While the Iglesia department woke up on July 20, 2026 with a beautiful white blanket of snow—captured in unforgettable images by photographer Lucas Poblete—local authorities have maintained a strict Yellow Alert for snowfalls and intense winds.

Weather Alert N° 27/26: Active from 03:00 hs until 20:59 hs on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Affected Areas and Forecast

According to the National Meteorological Service (SMN) and the Civil Protection Directorate of San Juan, the alert covers the Andean foothills of the following departments: Calingasta, Pocito, Rivadavia, Sarmiento, Ullúm, and Zonda.

🏔️ High mountain areas: Persistent snowfalls are expected, with accumulations of 20 to 50 cm per day, potentially higher in specific spots.
💨 Winds: Intense winds are forecasted, with possible 'whiteout' conditions (known locally as 'viento blanco', where snow blown by the wind reduces visibility to near zero).
🌨️ Lower areas: Accumulations between 5 and 20 cm are expected, not ruling out rain or a mix of both.

Family Assistance Operation

Since July 17, emergency brigades from the Ministry of Family, Civil Protection, and Highway Authority have assisted 541 families in Jáchal, Calingasta, and Iglesia, delivering basic supplies and evaluating homes. On July 20, the focus shifted to Barreal, Ullum, Zonda, and Pocito.

Power Restoration Efforts

The EPRE (Provincial Electricity Regulatory Entity) issued a formal warning to Naturgy (the local energy provider) following power outages in Calingasta caused by snow on the grid. Failures persist in Puchuzúm (126 users), Tamberías (173 users), and Barreal (221 users). Vehicles equipped with Starlink antennas and snow chains have been deployed. For emergencies, call 0800-666-3637.

Road Safety Recommendations

Provincial authorities urge extreme caution if traveling through affected areas is necessary:

Equipment: Carry tire chains (their use may be mandatory), antifreeze fluid, and keep the fuel tank full.
Driving: Reduce speed to a minimum, double the safety distance, and avoid sudden braking. Use engine braking.
Visibility: Keep low beams on permanently and use fog lights only if visibility is zero.
Emergency kit: Thermal blankets, extra warm clothing, water, high-calorie food, and fully charged phones.