Bahía Blanca covered in white following unusual graupel fall

A polar air mass has brought unusual weather to Bahía Blanca and parts of the Buenos Aires province, resulting in the fall of graupel, also known as soft hail or granular snow. The phenomenon occurred during a period of atmospheric instability, leaving streets, sidewalks, and vehicles covered in a white layer that many residents initially mistook for snow.

Graupel is distinguished from traditional hail by its fragile, opaque, and soft texture. It forms when supercooled water droplets freeze upon contact with snowflakes. Unlike hard hail, graupel particles—typically between 2 and 5 millimeters in diameter—are easily crushed and pose no risk of damage to vehicles or structures.

The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued a yellow alert for wind in the region, with gusts potentially reaching 65 km/h. Temperatures in Bahía Blanca are expected to remain low, with maximums reaching only 10 degrees Celsius, as the cold front continues to affect the southwest of the province.