Consecutive extreme heat and flooding events in Argentina highlight the risk of managing increasingly frequent and intense hazards in a warming climate

The floods in Bahía Blanca damaged Route 3 Highway. The city experienced heavy rainfall in March 2025, causing significant damage. The extreme weather event was the heaviest recorded in Bahía Blanca’s history. The rainfall event affected over 300,000 people, resulting in deaths, displacements, and missing persons. The estimated damage in the city was around 400 million USD.

Additionally, the region faced extreme heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in various countries. Heat alerts were issued in 15 provinces, leading to blackouts and traffic disruptions in Buenos Aires. Researchers from different countries conducted an attribution study to analyze the impact of climate change on the extreme weather events.

The study found that human-induced climate change increased the likelihood and intensity of heavy rainfall and extreme heat in the region. The events highlighted the need for better management of hazards, including investments in early warning systems and climate-smart urban planning. Creating green and blue spaces can help reduce heat in cities and lower the risk of flooding, even in densely populated areas.