Europe boils as South America freezes: At least 15 dead in unprecedented cold snap

As Europe swelters under record-breaking heatwaves, Southern Hemisphere nations Argentina, Chile and Uruguay are enduring an extraordinary cold spell that has left at least 15 people dead and prompted emergency state measures for the homeless.

A sudden surge of frigid Antarctic air has pushed temperatures well below zero in states unprepared for such extremes during austral winter. Argentina recorded nine deaths—predominantly among the homeless—Uruguay six, while Chile also mobilised emergency shelters.

In Buenos Aires, the government temporarily ceased gas supply to industries and petrol stations to prioritise households as demand hit a historic high of 100.3 million m³ per day . Across Chile, plans were launched to house the homeless, though natural gas deliveries from Argentina were rationed due to cross-border strain on supplies . Uruguay declared a national red alert, invoking emergency powers to relocate rough sleepers into shelters, opening over 30 warming centres and 1 000 additional beds .

In Montevideo, the polar front led to temperatures dipping to −3 °C, dusted with light snow—the first in four years—while windchill deepened the cold’s impact .

Meteorologists warn this extreme cold may be yet another symptom of erratic climate patterns. They note that air masses this far north from Antarctica are “not common” and climate change cannot be ruled out . In contrast, Europe faces crippling heat—Italy paused outdoor labour, France closed schools, and Spain recorded its hottest June on record

While the cold begins to ease—it’s forecast to climb to 12 °C in Buenos Aires, 14 °C in Montevideo and reach near 25 °C in Santiago —authorities stress lingering risks for vulnerable populations.