Argentina's Mendoza and Chile's Magallanes issue wind and snow warnings
The National Meteorological Service of Argentina (SMN) issued yellow alerts for strong Zonda winds and moderate to heavy snowfall in Mendoza province. Snow accumulations of 15‑30 cm are expected in high‑mountain areas such as the San Rafael and Malargüe cordillera, with wind gusts up to 90 km/h, potentially affecting mountain passes and travel.
In Chile, the National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (Senapred) cancelled a snow advisory for Punta Arenas but maintained a preventive early‑warning for strong winds across the Magallanes, Tierra del Fuego and Última Esperanza regions. Forecasts predict gusts of 70‑100 km/h over the Patagonian plain and wind chills down to –16 °C, raising risks for structures, navigation in the Strait of Magellan, and hikers in Torres del Paine National Park.