Population on alert: extratropical cyclone will affect Uruguay and southern Brazil

By Brandon Cardozo

An extratropical cyclone will form in South America starting Tuesday, August 19, generating a strong change in the climatic conditions of Uruguay and southern Brazil. According to Metsul Meteorology, the phenomenon will bring severe storms, intense rains and wind gusts that could exceed 100 km/h in several areas of both countries.

The process that will give rise to the cyclone began with a segregated low in height, known as DANA, which is currently over the Pacific and will move towards Chile this Monday. After crossing the Andes Mountains, the system will advance towards Argentina and will later reach Uruguay between Tuesday the 19th and Wednesday the 20th. This movement, accompanied by low surface pressure, will begin cyclogenesis.

According to Metsul, the cyclone will be located between the Río de la Plata and western Uruguay on Wednesday, before moving quickly towards the Atlantic. The most severe conditions are expected between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, with the possibility of intense storms, hail and very strong gusts.

Projections indicate that the most violent gusts will be recorded on the Uruguayan coast, especially in Montevideo and areas near the Río de la Plata, where the wind could exceed 100 km/h. In other parts of the country, gusts of between 70 and 90 km/h are also expected, with the risk of falling trees, damage to roofs and power outages.

The phenomenon, although less impactful than the cyclone that occurred on July 28, will have effects on a large part of the territory. The coast is expected to be the most affected, although inland there will also be stronger winds than usual due to the topography.

The most complicated phase will last until Wednesday morning. Starting on Thursday the 21st, the extratropical cyclone will move towards the Atlantic, which will allow the stabilization of climatic conditions in the region.

Meteorological authorities recommended that the population remain attentive to updates, take extreme precautions and take precautions in rural and coastal areas, where the risk of damage is greater.