Argentina readies for El Niño‑driven floods and hotter weather

Provincial authorities in Argentina are coordinating preparations for the expected impacts of the El Niño climate phenomenon. In Entre Ríos, Civil Defence director Oscar Díaz Bertozzi warned that river flows from southern Brazil will raise water levels, forecasting “40% more water than other periods” and highlighting vulnerable towns such as Concordia, Colón, Gualeguaychú and others along the Uruguay and Paraná rivers. The province is working with the Federal Emergency Agency and neighboring jurisdictions to mitigate flooding through September to February 2027.

In Buenos Aires, the provincial Ministry of Agricultural Development reported a 90% chance that a warm phase of El Niño will persist through August, bringing higher sea‑surface temperatures, above‑normal rainfall and more intense storms. The ministry’s agricultural emergency commission highlighted uneven water availability, with some areas facing soil saturation, especially in the Salado basin, while others retain adequate moisture. Minister Javier Rodríguez emphasized the need for “anticipation and planning” and mentioned ongoing preventive collaboration with municipalities and other provincial bodies.

Both provinces are focusing on protecting agricultural production and communities from the anticipated rise in precipitation, higher temperatures and increased flood risk associated with the El Niño event.