While a heatwave strikes the Northern Hemisphere, the Southern Hemisphere, currently in the midst of winter, is experiencing a powerful cold snap that has caused average temperatures to plummet across Argentina.

According to the Argentine National Meteorological Service and local media on July 5 (local time), the cold wave, which began on July 2 due to an influx of cold air from the Antarctic, has kept temperatures significantly lower than average across most of the country.

Temperatures have continued to drop in central regions, including the capital, Buenos Aires. Some areas are experiencing typical winter severity, with strong winds further lowering the wind chill.

This cold wave is notable because the cold air has extended beyond the southern regions, where low winter temperatures are common, to reach the central parts of the country.

Argentina, the world's eighth-largest country with a land area of approximately 2.78 million square kilometers, stretches long from north to south, resulting in significant climate variations by region.

Because of this, even during winter, the perceived temperatures and weather conditions differ distinctly between the southern, central, and northern regions.

While the southern Patagonia region typically experiences recurring winter cold and snowfall, the central and northern regions often see relatively mild winter weather.

The spread of cold air over such a wide area this time is attributed to seasonal variability.

In the capital, Buenos Aires, the average temperature in early July typically ranges from a low of 7°C (45°F) to a high of 15°C (59°F), similar to the chilly weather of late autumn in Korea. However, due to the Antarctic cold wave, the wind chill dropped to 0°C (32°F) on July 3, marking the coldest day of the year so far.

As a result of the powerful Antarctic cold wave hitting the entire country, unusual snowfall was reported on July 2 in coastal areas of Buenos Aires Province, such as Miramar and Mar del Plata, located in the central region.

Meteorological authorities have issued yellow and orange alerts for various regions, noting the possibility of continued cold air influx. They have advised the public to take precautions regarding health, potential damage to crops, and icy road conditions.

Meanwhile, the Northern Hemisphere is suffering from intense heatwaves across Europe.

Recently, daytime highs have soared above 40°C (104°F) in countries including France, Spain, Italy, and Germany, leading to heat-related casualties.

In some areas, the burden of high summer temperatures is growing, with increased risks of wildfires and a surge in power consumption.

In the United States, a massive heat dome has covered the central and eastern parts of the country since July 3. Major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. have recorded wind chills exceeding 40°C (104°F), prompting the government to issue the highest level of heat warnings.

Experts explain that since the seasons in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres are opposite, it is a natural phenomenon for a cold wave to occur in one while a heatwave occurs in the other. However, they advised against outdoor activities, noting that rapid temperature changes can have fatal effects on health, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

(Photo: Yonhap News)