Chile issues cold‑snap alert as temperatures plunge below zero

Chile's Meteorological Directorate issued a cold‑weather warning covering six regions – Valparaíso, Metropolitana, O’Higgins, Maule, Ñuble and Biobío – from the morning of Saturday 27 June to Monday 29 June. Minimum temperatures are expected to reach –4 °C in pre‑cordillera areas of O’Higgins and between –4 °C and –2 °C in the valley, pre‑cordillera and interior zones of the Biobío Region. Frost and ice may affect early‑morning road surfaces, crops, livestock and vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, the homeless and those in poorly insulated housing.

In the capital region, after an unusually warm Thursday with highs above 20 °C, a cold front will bring daytime highs of only 12‑15 °C on Saturday and sub‑zero minima (around 2 °C) on Saturday morning, with further sub‑zero lows expected on Sunday. Authorities advise the public to use adequate heating, avoid rapid temperature changes, maintain safe heating equipment, and drive cautiously on potentially icy roads. The alert also recommends protecting agricultural fields, irrigation systems and animals from frost damage.