Today, August 17, is a national holiday in Argentina, commemorating the death of General José de San Martín, a hero of South American independence. But the weather is not cooperating: the National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued yellow alerts for severe storms and intense winds across several provinces. Here's the full picture.
Yellow Alert for Storms in the Litoral
The SMN has issued a yellow alert for strong storms affecting the Litoral region (the Argentine Littoral), specifically Entre Ríos (almost the entire province, except the departments of Gualeguay and Victoria), Corrientes (center and south), Santa Fe (west), and parts of Chaco.
These storms are expected to bring:
- Heavy rainfall in short periods
- Intense wind gusts
- Frequent lightning
- Localized hail
Accumulated precipitation is estimated between 60 and 80 mm, with higher amounts possible in the east of Entre Ríos and the south of Corrientes.
Yellow Alert for Winds up to 130 km/h
In parallel, a yellow wind alert is in effect for the Andean areas of San Juan, La Rioja, Catamarca, Tucumán, Salta, and Jujuy. Westerly winds are expected at 60 to 80 km/h, with gusts reaching 130 km/h.
These conditions can knock down trees, signs, and make driving dangerous, so extra caution is advised.
When Will the Worst Hit?
According to reports, the most severe weather will occur during the morning and afternoon of Monday, August 17. The bad weather will continue on Tuesday, August 18 in the region, with additional accumulations of 40 to 60 mm in some areas, as reported by Noticias Argentinas.
For Buenos Aires, rain is expected on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19, with a drop in temperature and gusts up to 60 km/h. More stable weather is expected by Thursday and Friday.
SMN Recommendations
- Avoid going out unless necessary.
- Do not take out trash and clean drains and gutters.
- Unplug appliances and cut off electricity if water enters.
- Close and stay away from doors and windows.
- Remove or secure objects that could be blown away (pots, awnings, furniture).
- If outdoors, seek shelter in a building, house, or closed vehicle.
- Do not shelter under trees, poles, or marquees.
- If driving, use low beams, increase braking distance, and avoid flooded areas.
The SMN will update the alerts throughout the day. Follow official channels and local media for the latest developments. For more information, visit the official SMN website.