The sudestada on the Río de la Plata: why it floods Buenos Aires

The sudestada is one of the most characteristic phenomena of the Río de la Plata: a persistent southeasterly wind, damp and cold, that can last several days.

Why it floods

The southeasterly wind pushes the estuary water against the shore and slows the rivers from draining, which raises the level of the Río de la Plata and floods the low-lying areas of Buenos Aires, La Plata and the conurbano. It usually comes with overcast skies, drizzle and a drop in temperature.

How to anticipate it

Watch the wind direction and speed and the alerts in the forecast: a sustained southeasterly wind together with rain is a sign of a possible surge. If you live in a low-lying or riverside area, keep the drains clear and follow official alerts.