22/07/2026 15:51 - Actualidad
As anticipated by Civil Defense, snow finally reached Neuquén capital and the Alto Valley in the early hours of Wednesday, July 22, 2026, around 1:00 AM. Although the flakes surprised residents for a few minutes without accumulating on the streets, the moment was joyfully shared on social media.
The Provincial Director of Civil Defense, Carlos Cruz, had confirmed days earlier the probability of this phenomenon due to the entry of an intense cold and humid air system over the province. Cruz detailed that Neuquén was going through a period of instability that had already generated rains in areas like Confluencia, Vaca Muerta, and the center of Neuquén.
The National Meteorological Service (SMN) issued a yellow alert for snowfall this Wednesday, valid from 03:00 to 20:59 hours.
For the city of Neuquén, the extended forecast from July 23 to 27 anticipates temperatures between 6°C and 16°C, with light to moderate rains expected on July 26.
The weather event affects traffic in the Andean region, with adverse conditions on National Routes 40 and 23. Extreme caution is recommended due to ice, snowy shoulders, and low road grip.
The Pino Hachado border crossing remained closed on Tuesday, leaving approximately 100 trucks stranded in the town of Las Lajas. Daniel Vergara, local Civil Defense director, estimated that reopening could happen after noon on Wednesday, once road maintenance machinery clears the path.
National Highway authorities emphasized that carrying tire chains is mandatory to travel through these corridors, along with the use of seatbelts and low-beam headlights.
The frontal system will continue its advance, and on Thursday, July 23, the snow alert will reach part of the Río Negro province. The affected areas will be:
In Neuquén, the following areas will remain under alert: Cordillera and Lowlands of Aluminé, Huiliches, Lácar, Chos Malal, Loncopué, Minas, Picunches, Ñorquín, Catán Lil, Collón Curá, Zapala, and Los Lagos.
"There is a small probability of snow over the Alto Valley starting Wednesday, depending on wind behavior and temperatures," Carlos Cruz had previously stated.
Sources: LM Neuquén, An Bariloche, TN.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
