Weather alerts and school suspensions impact Chile and Mexico

Severe weather and environmental concerns are impacting several regions in Chile and Mexico. In Chile, the Dirección Meteorológica de Chile has issued alerts for thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds across seven regions, including Coquimbo, Valparaíso, the Metropolitan Region, Maule, Ñuble, and Biobío. In the Metropolitan Region, specifically Las Condes, classes have been suspended at 12 schools and 9 kindergartens due to an alluvial flow (mudslide), with some universities moving to remote learning to facilitate cleanup efforts.

In Mexico, the state of Jalisco has announced the resumption of in-person classes in 22 municipalities, including Puerto Vallarta, following the departure of Hurricane Simon.

Additionally, Chile's Superintendencia del Medio Ambiente (SMA) has notified 267 mining units in the Antofagasta, Atacama, and Coquimbo regions to strengthen environmental protections. This measure aims to safeguard flora, fauna, and soil during the 2026 Flowering Desert phenomenon, which was triggered by recent winter rains.