Meteorologists across South America are identifying several dates as the coldest of the calendar year 2026 for their respective regions [1, 2, 3].
These reports highlight the impact of strong polar air masses moving northward, which create unusually low temperatures and potential frost across the Southern Cone. The varying dates indicate that the most extreme cold is hitting different provinces and cities at different times rather than as a single continental event.
In Argentina, the Misiones province recorded its coldest day of the year on April 28, 2026 [4, 5], with a minimum temperature of six °C [1]. Other regions, including Córdoba, also prepared for a strong polar wave during this period [2].
Chile has seen conflicting reports regarding its coldest point in Santiago. Meteorologist Michelle Adam said the coldest day would occur on May 9, 2026 [3]. However, Alejandro Sepúlveda of Mega said Saturday, May 23, 2026, was "el día más frío del año" [6].
More recently, the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional in Argentina has focused on the Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Forecasts indicate that the coldest day for this region will be tomorrow, July 3, 2026 [2].
These temperature drops are attributed to an Antarctic air mass pushing north [2]. This movement of air often leads to sub-zero temperatures in specific zones, prompting weather agencies to issue warnings to the public about the freezing conditions [2].
“"el día más frío del año"”
The lack of a single 'coldest day' for the entire region demonstrates the localized nature of polar incursions in South America. While a general polar wave affects the continent, the specific timing of the annual minimum temperature varies by hundreds of miles, reflecting different geographic vulnerabilities to Antarctic air masses.
