Unprecedented Snowfalls in Argentina Threaten 1 Million Livestock; Aussie Cold; Record Stratospheric Water Vapor; Global Temperatures Took Another Step Down In June; + CO2 Fantasticals

The COLD TIMES are returning...

Unprecedented Snowfalls in Argentina Threaten 1 Million Livestock

Breeders in Argentine Patagonia have taken to social media to express their distress after unprecedented snowfalls buried their livestock, threatening about 1 million animals with starvation in one of the region’s coldest winters in decades.

Videos from Chubut show sheep buried in deep snow, with only their heads visible.

The Argentine Rural Confederation (CRA) has described the situation as “dramatic.”

“Argentina was hit by heavy snowfall, leaving animals and vehicles stranded. The country's National Meteorological Service had previously issued warnings of an abnormal cold wave affecting 15 provinces.” — ANAND SHUKLA on X

Enrique Jamieson, president of the Federation of Agricultural Institutions Santa Cruz, highlighted the complexity of the situation, with heavy snowfalls extending across Santa Cruz, affecting about 40,000 cattle and 1 million sheep.

The most-recent snow dumps, ranging from 40 to 60 cm (1.3 to 2 ft) in depth, have rendered pastures inaccessible, endangering cattle and sheep. Efforts are underway to move livestock to areas with less snow to forage or receive supplemental feeding.

Jamieson explained that consistent, early-season snowfalls through April and May had already formed a frozen layer, complicating access to food for the animals. The recent snowfall added additional feet on top of this layer, exacerbating the problem and making it difficult for the animals to reach food.

The situation is dire, with breeders and agricultural institutions urgently seeking solutions to prevent the starvation of their livestock amidst the extreme winter conditions.

“Heavy snowfall in Argentina has left livestock and vehicles stranded in the snow.” — Ajay Verma on X

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Aussie Cold

Southern and Eastern Australia is continuing to shiver through a pretty persistent and harsh cold snap, with thermometers dipping to subzero levels (C) in numerous regions.