A surprising hailstorm occurred in Buenos Aires and its metropolitan area (AMBA) during the summer, lasting only an hour, but leaving residents bewildered. The storm was produced by strong atmospheric conditions created by a cold front that moved in overnight, according to the National Meteorological Service (SMN). This phenomenon raised questions among residents about the impact of climate anomalies, as such hail is typically expected in cooler months.

Meteorologists explain that both heat and cold conditions are crucial for the formation of hail. Carlos Zotelo, the director of the SMN, stressed that sufficient humidity and heat at the surface are necessary to generate rising air bubbles that ascend to high levels in the atmosphere where hail can form. The sudden transition from heat to the cold front caused instability, which ultimately triggered the unexpected summer hail event.

The SMN has been closely monitoring the weather conditions and posted updates on how to anticipate subsequent weather patterns. Residents are being alerted to the possibility of similar atmospheric phenomena as climate change could lead to more irregular weather patterns, including summertime hail, posing challenges for urban planning and everyday life in the region.