A new frontal system is forecast to enter Chile, bringing rain, strong winds, and abundant cloud cover to the central-south zone [1].
This weather event is significant because it may involve an atmospheric river, potentially leading to flooding or infrastructure disruptions in regions spanning from Patagonia to Ñuble [1, 2].
The system is expected to begin entering Patagonia on Thursday, June 25, 2024 [1]. While some reports indicate rain will start Thursday afternoon, other forecasts suggest the heaviest precipitation in the central-south region will arrive on Friday, June 26, 2024 [2, 3].
Meteorologists expect the system to move northward, impacting pre-cordilleran, cordilleran, and insular sectors [1]. In some areas, rainfall totals could exceed 90 mm [2]. This volume of water poses a risk to local drainage systems and rural roads, especially in the more mountainous sectors of the country.
Accompanying the rain are forecasts for strong winds. Wind gusts are expected to reach 60 km/h [3]. These conditions typically increase the risk of fallen trees and power outages across the affected provinces.
Local authorities continue to monitor the movement of the moisture from the Pacific. The combination of heavy rain and high wind speeds often complicates emergency response efforts in the rugged terrain of the south [1, 3].
“Rainfall could exceed 90 mm in some areas”
The potential for an atmospheric river indicates a concentrated corridor of moisture that can deliver extreme precipitation in a short window. For Chile's central-south region, this increases the likelihood of flash floods and landslides, particularly in the cordilleran sectors, necessitating heightened vigilance from civil defense agencies.
