Argentina Suffers from Unusual Cold That Already Killed 8

A weeklong cold snap that has killed at least eight people in Argentina is expected to continue Monday, state media reported.

Photo: Argentina Suffers from Unusual Cold That Already Killed 8

Argentina's National Weather Service says the blustery weather will continue in the nation's capital of Buenos Aires, with heavy winds, intense rains and frigid temperatures expected, state-run news agency Telam reported.

Temperatures dipped below zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) in 10 of the country's provinces Sunday, according to CNN.

The cold front moving up from Antarctica has caused temperatures to plunge across the southern cone region of South America.

Deaths have also been reported in Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia.

It recorded minimum temperatures of minus 14C in Patagonia and central Argentina and between 0C and 3C in the north.

Argentina has stepped up electricity imports from Brazil and put restrictions on the use of natural gas by industry to ensure the increased energy demand for domestic heating can be met.

The cold snap also hit Bolivia, where local media reported at least two deaths in the tropical region of Santa Cruz, BBC News informs.