Storms and rainfall of 50 to 80 millimeters are forecast for the Buenos Aires metropolitan area. Flooding has already been reported in several districts, La Nación said, citing Argentina’s national weather service.
Heavy rain began after 12:30 p.m. local time Wednesday. Flooding was reported in La Matanza, Pilar, Merlo and Lanús. Argentina’s National Meteorological Service, known as SMN, issued an orange alert for parts of the metropolitan area and central provinces, forecasting 50 to 80 millimeters of rain, with higher totals possible in some areas.
Gusts could exceed 40 to 50 kilometers per hour. The SMN forecast rain through Wednesday evening, with conditions gradually easing. Unsettled weather is expected to continue in the metro area on Thursday, with strong gusts possible around midday. Friday should bring a brief improvement, but the chance of morning rain is expected to return Saturday. Clearer conditions are forecast for Sunday. Temperatures are expected to remain around 12 to 18 degrees Celsius until then, La Nación reported.
The storm alert also covers Santa Fe, Entre Ríos, Córdoba and Río Negro provinces. Other affected districts in Buenos Aires province include Berisso, Brandsen, Cañuelas, Castelli, Chascomús, Ensenada, Florencio Varela, Lobos and Magdalena.
Authorities advised residents to go out only when necessary, keep rubbish away from drains and clear stormwater channels. Drivers were urged to use caution, and residents were told to secure objects that could be blown away. Anyone whose home is flooded should cut the electricity supply. People should stay away from fallen poles and wires.
Argentina’s Federal Emergency Agency said El Niño contributes to heavier spring and summer rainfall. Weather service Meteored said the cold front was also producing sharp temperature contrasts: some areas of San Luis, La Pampa and Córdoba were 5 to 7 degrees Celsius below seasonal averages, while temperatures in northern provinces could run up to 9 degrees above normal.