Meteorological forecasts for the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA) indicate that conditions of fog will persist throughout the holiday by the Independence Day. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued an alert affecting the CABA, Buenos Aires suburbs, and much of the interior regions including Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos, and Santa Fe. This situation is impacting operations at both the Jorge Newbery Aeroparque and the International Airport of Ezeiza Minister Pistarini, resulting in delays and cancellations, as witnessed on Tuesday.
Following an intense polar wave that affected temperatures last week, the current conditions are gradually improving. For this Wednesday, temperatures are expected to vary between 9 °C minimum and 13 °C maximum, indicating a day characterized by considerable cloudiness and limited chances of rain. Winds will be coming from the northern sector at speeds ranging from 7 to 12 kilometers per hour.
The persistence of fog and visibility issues has prompted the SMN to repeatedly emphasize a series of recommendations for residents of the AMBA and other impacted areas.
Consequently, the same scene unfolded yesterday in the main air terminals in Buenos Aires, which remained closed for eight hours due to dense fog, causing widespread delays, cancellations, and the need for reprogramming flights.
Operations were eventually resumed, yet issues persisted including long lines, crowd accumulation, and numerous complaints.
On Tuesday, approximately 20 cabotage flights were canceled at Aeroparque, all operated by Aerolineas Argentinas, with relocation of affected passengers ongoing. Travelers with canceled flights were advised not to come to the airport and to utilize official online channels for inquiries and changes.
According to spokespersons from Aerolineas Argentinas, the 350 scheduled daily flights were impacted, and the outlook remains unstable if fog returns. Though some flights have been reprogrammed for today, many departures are still delayed at both airports.
The disruption also extended to other airports across the country, as landings in Ezeiza and Aeroparque were altered, causing some flights to be delayed from their destinations.
Among the recommendations provided, authorities urge people to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. If driving is essential, maintaining a significant distance between vehicles is advised, along with refraining from overtaking when visibility is low. It is crucial to utilize low beams and fog lights, significantly reduce speed, and stop in a safe location if visibility becomes extremely poor. Additionally, staying updated with forecast changes and adhering to the guidance from weather and traffic authorities is vital.
These weather conditions align with a typical winter pattern for the region, characterized by consecutive days of low clouds and low temperatures, although a gradual improvement trend is expected as the week unfolds.
The evolution of the weather conditions will be closely monitored by the SMN, which periodically updates its information to inform the public about any modifications in the fog alert or alterations in the previously established forecasts.
According to the SMN projections, it is anticipated that the cloudy sky will persist until Thursday with slightly elevated temperatures: minimums around 10 °C and maximums reaching 16 °C. Isolated rainfall may occur during the night.
On Friday, another increase in temperature is expected, with readings ranging from 10 °C to 17 °C. Cloud cover and gentle winds from the east transitioning to the northeast throughout the day are also predicted.
Looking ahead to the weekend, Saturday is forecasted to see a reduction in cloudiness and the return of sunshine, with temperatures between 12 °C minimum and 18 °C maximum. Sunday trends indicate further improvements, with clear skies and temperatures varying from 11 °C to 19 °C.
