Argentina hit by historic polar cold wave as temperatures plunge below zero

A severe polar air mass from Antarctica moved over Argentina, producing a historic cold wave. Temperatures fell below zero across many provinces: Maquinchao recorded -11.5 °C, Santiago registered 0 °C with a wind chill of -1.8 °C, Rosario reached -3.6 °C, and San Antonio de Arredondo dropped to -6.8 °C. Other locations such as Las Termas de Río Hondo (1.2 °C), Córdoba (0.2 °C) and several towns in Santa Fe also saw sub‑zero readings.

Authorities warned of “black ice” on roads, especially along National Route 22 and provincial routes in Río Negro, urging drivers to reduce speed and take extra precautions. Health agencies issued safety advice on heating use and protecting vulnerable groups. Despite the intense cold, river source areas in Mendoza (Atuel and Diamante) have not yet accumulated significant snow, though temperatures there hover between -6.2 °C and -8.6 °C.

Meteorological services expect the cold front to linger for several more days before a gradual warming begins later in the week, with a slight increase in temperatures and a modest chance of rain by the weekend.