Frost warnings threaten winter crops in Chile's Ñuble and Argentina's Buenos Aires

In central Chile, a cold frontal system will bring rain on Tuesday and Wednesday with wind gusts up to 50 km/h, delivering 20–25 mm of precipitation in the Maule region—well below the June average of 150 mm. A polar air mass will follow, pushing night‑time minima to –2 °C across agricultural zones. Experts warn that lettuce, chard and other winter vegetables could suffer frost damage, while fruit trees in winter rest are unlikely to be harmed. The outlook also notes a 90 % chance of El Niño developing later in the year, which could increase the frequency of such frontal events.

Meanwhile, Argentina’s Buenos Aires province faces a sharp polar front that is expected to push temperatures below 0 °C in the western agricultural belt and the central pampas. The grain board identified a critical frost zone around the serranías and central Buenos Aires, urging producers to activate contingency plans. The same system will produce uneven rainfall: some areas may see more than 25 mm, while others receive little, exacerbating water deficits for wheat and other winter crops. Farmers are advised to monitor conditions closely and protect vulnerable seedlings.