Lessons from extreme weather events in an intermediate-sized city in Argentina

Abstract

This paper examines the impacts of recent extreme weather events in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, within the context of climate change, focusing on the increasing frequency and severity of events affecting urban areas. Using a multidisciplinary approach that combinesynoptic and meteorological data, satellite imagery, and fieldwork, the study identifies the atmospheric mechanisms behind each event and their differential effects on the urban environment. The results reveal the severity of a bow-echo windstorm in December 2023, with gusts reaching 155 km/h and extensive damage to infrastructure, the local port, and green spaces. An intense heat wave during the 2023–2024 summer and major flooding in March 2025 further exposed critical weaknesses in population preparedness and the limitations of existing drainage infrastructure. These events, occurring within a short period, underscore the urgency of integrating climate risk into urban planning. The study highlights the relevance of real-time monitoring networks, early warning systems, and participatory governance as key tools to enhance resilience and ensure equitable responses to climate-driven extremes.