01/07/2026 21:31 - Actualidad
Mendoza Province, located in western Argentina at the foothills of the Andes Mountains and famous worldwide for its wine production, is experiencing an intense polar weather system that has prompted educational authorities to take preventive measures.
The General Directorate of Schools (DGE) announced on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 the extension of face-to-face class suspensions for afternoon and evening shifts across fourteen zones of the province, due to extreme weather conditions affecting the region.
The decision is based on weather forecasts predicting snowfall, rain, intense winds, and sub-zero temperatures, factors that compromise road access to educational institutions and the safety of students and teachers.
The following departments (administrative divisions similar to counties):
Localities: Potrerillos (mountain resort), Uspallata (high-altitude valley), and Cacheuta (thermal springs area).
The suspension applies to all educational levels and modalities, including kindergarten, primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
Classes continue with complete normality in the densely populated metropolitan area known as Gran Mendoza:
The DGE has arranged for school activities in affected zones to continue virtually through the Escuela Digital Mendoza platform, ensuring pedagogical continuity for students.
This digital tool allows students and teachers to maintain contact and continue academic activities from home, avoiding risks from adverse weather conditions. The platform was developed as part of Argentina's educational technology initiatives.
The National Meteorological Service (SMN) maintains an orange alert for snowfall for the mountain zone and freezing rain in Gran Mendoza. This is the second-highest alert level, indicating significant weather disruption.
| Date | Min Temperature | Max Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 1/7 | 1°C (34°F) | 7°C (45°F) | Snowfall with 5-10 cm accumulation |
| Thursday 2/7 | -5°C (23°F) in some areas | 5°C (41°F) | Winds up to 100 km/h (62 mph) |
The forecasted snowfall with accumulations between 5 and 10 centimeters (2-4 inches), combined with winds reaching 100 km/h (62 mph), creates high-risk conditions for vehicular traffic, especially in mountain areas and southern provincial departments.
Sources: General Directorate of Schools of Mendoza, National Meteorological Service (Argentina), Government of Mendoza.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
