Argentina and Chile to Experience Heavy Rainfall

Affected by the eastward movement of an upper-level trough (Figure 1), a significant rainfall event is expected in southern South America from March 19 to 21. Countries including Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay will experience moderate to heavy rain, with localized downpours. In some of these areas, cumulative precipitation during this period is forecasted to be between 30 and 50 mm, with localized totals exceeding 80 mm (Figure 2). Additionally, parts of the region will be accompanied by strong winds of 5 to 7 on the Beaufort scale, with gusts exceeding 8 (Figure 3). Attention should be given to potential secondary disasters such as flash floods and urban flooding that may result from the heavy rainfall.

Figure 1: Forecast of 500 hPa Geopotential Height (contours, units: dagpm) and 850 hPa Wind Field (wind barbs, units: m/s) at 20:00 (Beijing Time) on March 19, 2026

Figure 2: Accumulated Precipitation from 08:00 on March 19, 2026 to 08:00 on March 22, 2026 (Beijing Time) (Unit: mm)

Figure 3: Maximum Gust Speeds (in m/s) Over the Past 24 Hours as of 08:00 (Beijing Time) on March 20, 2026

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Author: Kong Linghan                                 Reviewer: Guan Yue 

English reviewer:Dai Kan                                                                       Issue approver:Wang Yi