Five of South America’s major fruit-producing countries have witnessed an historic cold snap over the last week, including a snowstorm in the Argentine citrus region of Tucumán. Low temperatures were registered in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Bolivia.

The blizzard hit Tucumán on Friday in conditions not seen since 1920, while the Brazilian state of Santa Caterina recorded a wind chill of -25°C (-13°F).

It will take time before the full consequences for crops can be seen across the continent, but Brazilian press reported Santa Caterina’s agriculture and livestock were seriously affected and 80 people have died.

[link to hisz.rsoe.hu]