A wave of polar cold hit several South American countries in July.
Chile and Argentina were the coldest countries on the planet, excluding the poles, on July 9, according to Chilean meteorologist Gianfranco Marcone. He stated that morning temperatures in Santiago, Chile, were among the lowest in the past 20 years, dropping below 0°C. In San Pedro de la Paz, the beach froze, similar to Tierra del Fuego in late June.
On July 10, subzero temperatures were recorded in 12 Chilean regions, from Coquimbo in the center to Magallanes in the south.
In Argentina, red alerts for dangerous cold spread across the country starting July 9. Red alerts indicate very dangerous temperatures that can severely impact health.
The unprecedented below-zero temperatures, combined with snow and icy winds, severely affected agriculture and froze animals. In Córdoba province, a waterfall froze due to the extreme cold.
On July 12, Argentina's national meteorological service reported that July marked the first time that 11 provinces simultaneously declared red-level cold alerts.
Buenos Aires saw temperatures drop below 0°C, resulting in at least three deaths from hypothermia.
Uruguay also experienced abnormal cold. On July 11, the lowest temperature was recorded in Carmelo, Colonia, at -6°C. Coastal areas saw frosts, unusual for the region near the Río de la Plata, where temperatures typically don't drop below +8°C. In Montevideo, the early morning of July 11 saw temperatures of -1.5°C, the lowest since 2012.
Uruguay experienced a historic cold wave lasting seven consecutive days starting July 6.
On July 12, some Uruguayan towns recorded lower temperatures than Antarctica, with a national low of -5.2°C in Minas, compared to -2°C at Uruguay’s Artigas Base in Antarctica.
While some regions of South America froze, many other countries suffered from extreme heat. These extreme weather events indicate a dangerous imbalance in our planet's systems. What caused such a severe disruption? How will events unfold? And most importantly, how can humanity protect itself and the planet? Answers can be found at the "Global Crisis. The Responsibility" forum.
