Tue Mar 04 02:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Wind and Rain Expected in Patagonia as Firefighting Efforts Continue

**Neuquén/Río Negro, Argentina** – Strong winds that prompted a yellow alert on Sunday are expected to lessen on Monday in Neuquén and Río Negro provinces, but gusts will still impact the Alto Valle region and areas battling wildfires, according to the National Meteorological Service (SMN) and the Interjurisdictional Basin Authority (AIC).

While the yellow alert has been lifted, the SMN predicts gusts up to 31 kilometers per hour in Alto Valle (Neuquén, Cipolletti, and Roca), particularly during the morning and afternoon. These winds are expected to decrease to 9-11 kilometers per hour by evening. Temperatures will hover around 28°C.

In Junín de los Andes, severely affected by the Lanín National Park fire, stronger winds are forecast, with gusts potentially reaching 60 kilometers per hour in the morning, decreasing to 20-50 kilometers per hour in the afternoon. Temperature predictions vary, with the AIC forecasting a maximum of 15°C and the SMN predicting 23°C.

The AIC predicts rain and instability throughout the day in the fire zone, with winds not exceeding 39 kilometers per hour. Ariel Amthauer, director of Forest Fire Fighting and Emergencies at National Parks, reported the Los Manzanos fire in Nahuel Huapi National Park is in its final stages, having consumed 11,475 hectares. While rain could help, continued wind poses a challenge to firefighting efforts.

In Bariloche, the SMN forecasts a 20-40% chance of showers and isolated rain, along with strong gusts (20-60 kilometers per hour), strongest in the morning. Temperatures will remain below 16°C. Firefighting aerial operations continue despite the challenging conditions.

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