Chile issues frost warnings for six central‑southern regions

The Dirección Meteorológica de Chile (DMC) issued a frost warning for six central‑southern regions – Valparaíso, Metropolitana, O’Higgins, Maule, Ñuble and Biobío – due to a high‑pressure system. The advisory covers the early hours of Monday 22 June through Tuesday 23 June, with temperatures expected to fall to –1 °C to –3 °C in coastal valleys and to –2 °C to –4 °C in the pre‑cordillera. Frost and possible ice formation pose a risk to sensitive crops such as fruit and vegetables, as well as to road conditions. The DMC recommends protective measures such as covering plants or using anti‑frost irrigation.

A secondary cold front is forecast to arrive later in the week, bringing rain and snow to southern Chile. Expected accumulations include up to 60 mm of rain in Aysén, 15–20 mm in Los Lagos and La Araucanía, and 5–15 cm of snow in the high mountains of the southern regions, with wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h in Magallanes. Authorities advise the public to stay informed and take precautions against both the frost and the upcoming precipitation.

Health officials also warned that the sudden drop in temperature can facilitate the spread of respiratory viruses such as influenza, the common cold and respiratory syncytial virus, urging vaccination and monitoring of symptoms, especially among seniors and those with comorbidities.