This paper analyzes and describes the synoptic situation associated with precipitation and temperature in Argentina during 2003 and the first quarter of 2004. The period was selected as during that time drought affected at least ten Argentine provinces, causing great agricultural and ranching losses. In order to find the causes of such rainfall deficit the mean and anomaly geopotential height fields at 500 and 1000 hPa were analyzed. In 2003, rainfall deficit was mainly associated with geopotential anomalies at 500 hPa. They show a prevailing flow from the SW, which crosses the country diagonally from 45°S approximately to 30°S. At 1000 hPa the Atlantic Subtropical Anticyclone is weakened, displaced to the north and away from the continent. The Pacific Subtropical Anticyclone is intensified and located to the east with respect to its normal position. The drought in the first quarter of 2004 is mainly due to a ridge at 500 hPa in the center north of the country. Mean temperature anomalies in the period analyzed are positive throughout the country. High temperatures in 2003 are caused by the input of a N-NE flow from the north of the country, subsidence due to the Pacific Anticyclone shift towards the continent and orography. During the first quarter of 2004 they are generated by a flow from the north and the frequent anticyclonic circulation over the Atlantic to the south of 35°S.
deficit; precipitation; temperature
