Severe storms in Uruguay: special warning from Inumet
Severe storms in Uruguay will put much of the country on alert starting early Friday morning, the 22nd, the Uruguayan Meteorological Institute (Inumet) warned Thursday. The agency issued a special warning due to the arrival of a frontal system that will move from the north toward the rest of the country.
According to the official report, the most intense events could occur on the western coast and in the towns north of the Negro River. Severe storms are expected there, with characteristics that go beyond the typical winter instability.
Where it will be felt most intensely
Meteorologists warned that strong storms in Uruguay will first impact the departments bordering Brazil and Argentina. The instability will then spread to the center and south of the country.
Risks include:
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Strong and very strong gusts of wind.
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Intense electrical activity.
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Abundant rains in short periods.
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Occasional hail.
In Montevideo and the metropolitan area, the phenomenon is expected to be weakened, although isolated events of greater intensity are not ruled out.
Recent history and social vulnerability
The announcement comes just days after the red alert for cold weather , which forced the reinforcement of assistance in shelters and evacuation centers, where more than 3,000 people received care. This situation demonstrated the vulnerability of thousands of Uruguayans to extreme weather events, a reality that is being repeated again now with the storms.
In recent years, Uruguay has experienced similar events, with storms causing flooding in Paysandú, Salto, and Rivera, as well as prolonged power outages in several rural areas. This history reinforces the importance of taking preventive precautions.
How to prepare for severe storms in Uruguay
The authorities issued a series of practical recommendations to reduce risks:
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Stay informed through official Inumet .
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Avoid driving on roads during the passage of storms.
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Remove loose objects from balconies and rooftops that could be blown away by the wind.
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Secure metal sheets, awnings, and light structures on homes.
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Do not take shelter under trees during thunderstorms.
These measures aim to prevent accidents that tend to occur every time bad weather hits hard.
Impact on daily life and productive sectors
Beyond the risks to the population, severe storms in Uruguay often have a direct impact on agricultural production. Hail damages sensitive crops, heavy rains cause flooding, and winds bring down power lines.
In transportation, national routes and rural roads may become impassable, affecting both the movement of people and the transportation of goods. Therefore, the Inumet warning also means that various response agencies are already on alert.
Climate change and extreme events
In recent years, Uruguay has seen an increase in the frequency of severe storms. Climatology experts point out that climate variability and the effects of global climate change are generating more intense and less predictable phenomena.
This means that severe storms in Uruguay are no longer isolated incidents, but rather part of a pattern that combines extreme cold waves, torrential rains, and even prolonged droughts. The challenge for the country is to strengthen infrastructure, update emergency protocols, and ensure that the most vulnerable communities receive timely support.
Extended forecast: When will the weather improve?
Weather models agree that the frontal system will remain unstable until the weekend. Although the worst of the storm will be concentrated on Friday, scattered showers are likely to continue on Saturday in the south and east of the country.
On Sunday, however, a gradual improvement is expected, with temperatures dropping and more moderate winds. However, the start of next week will remain cool, with cold mornings and mild afternoons.
