Patagonian Forecast: Preparation and Beauty Amidst the Weather Front
The north of Argentine Patagonia is preparing to receive a new weather front that promises to bring abundant precipitation, intense winds, and the possibility of enjoying the first major snowfalls of the season in the Andes mountains. According to the National Meteorological Service (SMN), this Wednesday, July 8, 2026, heavy and persistent rains are expected, scaling from a yellow alert to a red alert in different localities of the Neuquén and Río Negro provinces.
Understanding the SMN Alert Levels
To put this forecast into context, it is important to understand how the SMN classifies weather phenomena:
- Red Alert: Implies rains with accumulation values between 60 and 150 millimeters. These phenomena have the potential to cause emergencies or disasters. In elevated areas, precipitation may fall as snow or a mix of rain and snow.
- Orange Alert: Rains can reach values between 30 and 60 millimeters, with mixed rain and snow in the highest areas.
- Yellow Alert: Accumulated precipitation values between 10 and 30 millimeters.
Tuesday, July 7 Recap in Neuquén
According to data from the Interjurisdictional Basin Authority (AIC), Tuesday presented a marked climatic contrast in the province of Neuquén. The provincial capital recorded partly cloudy skies, with a high of 21°C and a low of 5°C, accompanied by westerly winds of up to 48 km/h. In the mountain range, localities such as San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura experienced locally heavy showers and temperatures that did not exceed 4°C, while Zapala endured intense gusts of up to 77 km/h from the northwest.
Alert for Wednesday, July 8: Affected Areas
Red Alert (early morning) to Yellow (afternoon)
- Los Lagos
- Cordillera de Huiliches
- Cordillera de Lácar
- South of Aluminé
Wind Alert
Westerly winds between 40 and 60 km/h are expected, with gusts of up to 90 km/h. Mountain areas such as Huiliches, Lácar, Aluminé, Chos Malal, Loncopué, Minas, Picunches, and Ñorquín will be under alert for 24 hours.
Red Alert (early morning) to Yellow (afternoon)
- Bariloche
- Cordillera de Pilcaniyeu
- Cordillera de Ñorquincó
Snow Alert
During the night, a yellow alert for snow is expected in Bariloche, Pilcaniyeu, Ñorquincó, 9 de Julio, West of El Cuy, and 25 de Mayo, with projected accumulations between 10 and 15 centimeters.
Tips to Safely Enjoy the Winter
Although the weather presents challenges, snow beautifies our mountains and rains nourish our basins. Residents and tourists are advised to take extra precautions when driving, keep vehicles in good condition, follow the instructions of the Provincial Highway Department, and enjoy the winter landscapes from safe and warm places. The Patagonian community is prepared to face this front with responsibility and optimism.
Sources: Minuto Neuquén and Diario Río Negro