What each SMN alert color means
Argentina's National Meteorological Service (SMN) warns about weather events with a color system. This guide explains what each color means and how to read an alert. It is general information: in an emergency always follow the official instructions of the SMN, civil protection and local authorities.
The colors of the alert system
- Green: no events with risk to the population are expected. No alert is issued.
- Yellow: events that can cause damage and briefly disrupt everyday activities may occur. This is the “stay alert” level.
- Orange: events that are dangerous for people, property and the environment are expected. This is the “get ready and take precautions” level.
- Red: exceptional events with the potential to cause emergencies or disasters are expected. This is the “act on the authorities' instructions” level.
How to read an alert
- Event: what is expected (storms, heavy rain, wind, snow, extreme cold or heat, zonda wind, among others).
- Area: where the warning applies. An alert covers an area, not necessarily a whole province, so looking up your exact place is more useful than reading only the province name.
- Validity: from when until when it applies. Alerts are short-term (hours to a few days) and are updated several times a day.
- What to do: the SMN usually includes recommendations. Read them in full, not just the headline.
What to do at each level
- Yellow: stay informed, check the forecast for your area and be careful with outdoor activities, traffic and exposed places.
- Orange: avoid going out unless necessary, secure objects the wind could move, postpone outdoor activities and keep up with official channels.
- Red: follow the instructions of civil protection and the authorities, shelter in a safe place and do not put yourself at risk.
- In an emergency call 911 (Argentina).
How they appear on this site
On the Alerts page you can search for any town, city or area in Argentina, or use your location, and see whether a current warning affects it, with its dates. We show alerts as the SMN publishes them and refresh them every 15 minutes. If we cannot reach the SMN, we tell you: that never means there are no alerts. The official color and the full text are always at smn.gob.ar/alertas.
This site is not affiliated with the SMN and does not replace its warnings.
General, educational information: it does not replace professional advice or official warnings.