The Most Intense Cold of the Year Arrives in Santa Cruz

The province of Santa Cruz, located in the deep south of Argentine Patagonia, is preparing to receive the coldest air of 2026. With temperatures barely exceeding 0 °C (32 °F) in large areas of the west and center, provincial agencies are working in a coordinated manner to ensure everyone's safety during this challenging scenario.

Understanding the SMN Alerts

• Red Alert: Indicates a high to extreme effect on health. Temperatures can be very dangerous for the entire population, even healthy individuals. It affects the areas of Lago Buenos Aires, Río Chico, Cordillera de Lago Argentino, and Cordillera de Güer Aike.
• Orange Alert: Indicates a moderate to high health effect, with special risk for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. It affects Deseado, Magallanes, and the plateaus (mesetas) of Corpen Aike, Lago Argentino, and Güer Aike.

Road Operations: Tireless Work on the Routes

Sources report that the General Administration of Provincial Highways (AGVP) and the Provincial Road Safety Agency (APSV) are deploying continuous operations to clear the roads. Roberto Antipa, Head of the Provincial Highway District in Río Gallegos (the provincial capital), informed that the roads are passable with caution, though avoiding unnecessary travel is strongly recommended.

Prevention and Rescue: The Importance of Heeding Authorities

Sandra Gordillo, Undersecretary of Civil Protection of Santa Cruz, recalled that routes such as Provincial Route 18, 43, and National Route 3 (connecting Piedra Buena and Río Gallegos) have been restricted to allow road machinery to work safely. Recently, a coordinated operation between Civil Protection, Highway authorities, the National Gendarmerie, and the Rural Operations Directorate successfully rescued a couple who had been stranded for over 24 hours after leaving a ranch (estancia) despite the restrictions.

The community remains united against the harsh climate. Civil Protection offers 24-hour information through the emergency line 103 or the phone numbers (02966) 420042 and (02966) 435422.

Sources: La Opinión Austral, El Diario Nuevo Día, TiempoSur, Ahora Calafate.