The National Weather Service (SMN) issued this morning a severe storm warning in the areas of Entre Rios, central and south parts of Santa Fe, Rio de la Plata and the city of Buenos Aires.

After the suffocating heat the inhabitants of Buenos Aires and surrounding suburban areas suffered yesterday, the flood finally brought some relief this morning, causing an over ten degree drop in temperature.

The SMN said his sudden change of climate will bring another storm into the city and surrounding areas today, with strong winds and more rain.

The weather agency explained that the very hot and humid air continues entering the coverage area from the north of the country and is developing thunderstorms, mainly over eastern Buenos Aires. The storm will be strong to severe and accompanied by strong winds, hail and short periods of heavy rainfall.

The conditions are likely to improve in the Buenos Aires area during the course of today. Meanwhile, the alert will move west towards La Pampa, central and east parts of Mendoza, San Luis, and south and central parts of Córdoba.

The National Meteorological Service (SMN) reports heat will continue today and tomorrow and asks people to take precautionary measures with babies, people over the age of 65 and with patients suffering chronic diseases.

The high temperatures measured in Buenos Aires yesterday will not drop. Just like yesterday the National Meteorological Service (SMN) issues a yellow alert — the second degree on a four-degree scale — and asks people to take appropriate measures.

The temperature is today predicted to reach over 35 in the city, with a minimum temperature of 24. The sky will be little or partly cloudy, with mild winds from the northwest.

Sensitive people like infants, the elderly and people suffering from serious diseases are recommended to handle the strong temperatures by drinking plenty of water during the whole day, avoiding large meals, eating fresh fruit and vegetables, and avoiding alcohol, sweets and hot beverages.

The SMN reports high temperatures for tomorrow as well, with a maximum of 35 and a minimum of 25. Friday is predicted to be partly cloudy or overcast skies with a maximum temperature of 31 degrees and chance of precipitation.

According to the SMN there is a chance temperatures will drop during the weekend.

The National Weather Service (SMN) has issued a weather alert for the City of Buenos Aires, north of the province of Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos, and the south of Santa Fé.

The alert, issued at 8am this morning, warns of intense rains and storms. The storms are expected to intensify, potentially “producing intense downpours in short periods of time.” These weather conditions will remain at least until Wednesday morning, SMN warned, and could be accompanied by hail storms.

The government of the City of Buenos Aires has issued a series of recommendations in the face of the weather warning. These include:

• Avoid walking in flooded areas.
• Do not leave objects in windows or balconies that could be blown away and hurt others.
• Do not touch wet electrical appliances.
• Do not throw rubbish or any other objects that may obstruct drains, and do not take out rubbish outside of authorised hours (8pm to 9pm, Sunday to Friday). In case of strong downpours, abstain from taking out rubbish altogether.
• Do not touch light poles, electrical boxes, or cables on the street.
• Drive safely and with lights on at all times.
• Before any perceived risk, call free-line 103.

Whilst the weather warning is valid for 24 hours, rainy weather is forecast to last until Saturday.

As the ash cloud from the eruption of the Chilean volcano Puyehue approaches Buenos Aires, airlines have cancelled international flights to and from Ezeiza Airport.

The National Meteorological Service (SMN) announced that the ash cloud, which has already reached ten Argentine provinces and the southern region of Greater Buenos Aires, will arrive in the capital today. The SMN added that the ash cloud’s proximity to Buenos Aires is no cause for alarm; much of the ash dispersed as the cloud passed through the South and will be “barely noticeable” in the capital. The ash is suspended at an altitude of five to ten thousand meters.

Still, in addition to the six airports that remain closed of the capital (Bariloche, Viedma, Trelew, Chapelco, Esquel and Bahía Blanca), Ezeiza remains on hold. Last night more than six airlines cancelled incoming flights to Ezeiza (including Delta, LAN, and United Airlines), and a crisis committee has gathered to determine when it will be safe to clear international departures for the airlines that plan to resume flights later this evening.

After shutting down this morning, domestic airport Aeroparque resumed service this afternoon.

Airports closer to the volcano, which is located 90km northeast of Bariloche, will remain closed for the rest of the week. State-owned airlines Aerolíneas Argentinas and Austral suspended flights between Aeroparque and Bariloche and between Chapelco and Esquel until Sunday. Flights from Aeroparque to Trelew, Neuquén, and Videma will resume on Thursday.

Four thousand residents have evacuated their homes since the eruption on Saturday afternoon, escaping strong rains, soot, and flash floods. Patagonia was affected most severely by the cloud. Classes and public events have been cancelled in Bariloche, and ash fell over the region at mid-day.

No fatalities have been reported as caused by the volcano.