Thirteen provinces in the country have yellow and orange level alerts for strong storms and possible hail and electrical activity, while in two others warnings are in force for winds whose gusts can reach 90 kilometers per hour (km/h), the National Meteorological Service (SMN) reported today.
The orange alert, which warns of "dangerous meteorological phenomena for society, life, property and the environment", reaches the south of La Rioja, the northwest of Córdoba and a large part of Corrientes.
These areas will be affected by storms with accumulated precipitation values between 60 and 100 millimeters (mm), some locally strong or severe, which will be accompanied by abundant rainfall in short periods, hail, strong electrical activity and intense gusts.
The SMN recommended staying in closed constructions such as houses, schools or buildings, staying away from electrical appliances and avoiding the use of corded telephones, staying inside a vehicle if you are traveling, avoiding driving on flooded or affected streets, cutting off the electricity supply if there is a risk of water entering your home.
He also suggested that in case a person is affected by this phenomenon, they should contact local emergency agencies and always have an emergency backpack ready with a flashlight, radio, documents and telephone.
ACP ⚠ | Very Short Term
Warning STRONG STORMS WITH HEAVY RAIN, GUSTS AND OCCASIONAL HAIL.
⏱️ Time: 09/01/2024 09:45h
Valid for 3 hours.
+ info https://t.co/VzMLfM3HY3 pic.twitter.com/aygjyEOD2M
— SMN Alerts (@SMN_Alertas) January 9, 2024
Meanwhile, the yellow warning extends to the south of Misiones, the rest of Corrientes, central and northern Entre Ríos, south and north of San Luis, north of La Pampa, south of La Rioja, much of Santiago del Estero, Santa Fe, Salta and the province of Buenos Aires.
In this area, accumulated precipitation values between 30 and 60 mm are estimated, which may be exceeded in a timely manner.
The agency recommended in these areas not to take out the garbage, remove objects that prevent water from draining, avoid outdoor activities, do not take shelter near trees and electricity poles that may fall, do not stay on beaches, rivers, lagoons or pools and be aware of the possible fall of hail.
Finally, in the center and south of Santa Cruz and much of the coast of Tierra del Fuego, an alert is in effect for strong southwesterly winds with speeds between 50 and 65 km/h and gusts that can reach 90 km/h.
Heat Alerts
Localities in the north of Salta, northeast of Santiago del Estero and much of the province of Chaco were under orange alert on Tuesday for extreme temperatures that will reach up to 41 degrees, while yellow alerts for less intense heat are also in force in areas of Misiones, Formosa, Chaco, Salta and Jujuy, the National Meteorological Service (SMN) reported.
The orange alert for the heat on Tuesday included a large part of the center and south of Chaco, in towns such as Chacabuco, Comandante Fernández, Quitilipi, San Lorenzo, Sargento Cabral, Veinticinco de Mayo, Presidencia de La Plaza, General Belgrano and Independencia.
It also extended northeast of Santiago del Estero, in the eastern areas of Alberdi, Copo and Moreno; and to the north of Salta, in General José de San Martín and the yungas of Iruya, Orán and Santa Victoria.
The maximum temperatures forecast for the area are above 35 degrees and in some Chaco localities, such as Quitilipi and Presidencia de La Plaza, a maximum temperature of 41 degrees is forecast for this afternoon.
As high temperatures have been sustained in recent days in these areas, the SMN issued the orange level that implies that the heat "can be dangerous, especially for risk groups, such as children, people over 65 years of age, with chronic diseases".
The meteorological agency issued yellow level alerts for heat for the rest of Chaco, the north of Misiones, the entire territory of the provinces of Formosa and Jujuy, and localities north of Salta.
In the capital city of Formosa, a maximum temperature of 40 degrees is expected, while in Iguazú, in Misiones, the thermometer will reach 34 degrees, according to the SMN.
In this case, the yellow extreme heat alert level implies a mild to moderate effect on health, and can be dangerous especially for risk groups, such as children, people over 65 years of age, with chronic diseases.
Due to the sustained high temperatures, the national agency recommends increasing water consumption without waiting until you are thirsty; do not expose yourself to the sun excessively, or in the middle of the day (between 10 a.m. and 16 p.m.); pay attention to infants, children, and the elderly; avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, or highly sugary beverages; avoid very large meals; eating vegetables and fruits; and reduce physical activity.