MONTEVIDEO -- Despite 2024 being recorded as the hottest year globally since data collection began in 1850, Uruguay experienced a significant drop in temperatures during the same period. According to the Uruguayan Meteorological Institute, the 2024 winter was nearly 2°C colder than usual, with the average annual temperature in the country recorded at 18.1°C.
In contrast, 2017 was previously the warmest year for Uruguay, with an average temperature of 18.8°C. The winter months of July and August in 2024 saw a 'near-historic cold spell,' with frost observed nationwide, a rare occurrence for the region.
The EU's Copernicus climate monitor noted that areas closest to the poles, particularly in the southern hemisphere, were less affected by global warming trends. However, the variability in climate was evident in Uruguay, where the average temperature has increased by 1.3°C over the past century.
While temperature averages did not show significant changes, the country faced more severe weather phenomena, according to meteorologist Juan Luis Perez. He indicated that the intensity and frequency of weather events have nearly doubled, leading to flooding in Montevideo and other areas during heavy rains.
Perez also expressed concerns about the reliability of weather forecasting models, noting that they are no longer as dependable as in previous years. This reflects a broader trend of increasing unpredictability in weather patterns linked to climate change.