Chile warns of frost risk in key fruit and vegetable regions

Chile’s Meteorological Directorate has issued a frost warning for agricultural areas between Valparaíso and Biobío, with low temperatures expected from Thursday, July 2, through Saturday, July 4. The event is linked to a cold anticyclonic system that may favor frost formation across valleys, foothills and coastal mountain areas.

According to the forecast shared by Frutas de Chile, minimum temperatures could fall to between -3°C/-1°C and -4°C/-2°C, depending on the region and zone. The lowest values are expected in several valleys and precordillera areas, including zones of Valparaíso, Metropolitana, O’Higgins, Maule, Ñuble and Biobío.

The warning is relevant for fruit and horticultural production, as the affected areas include sectors of strong agricultural importance. Growers with anti-frost irrigation systems are advised to activate them in advance and assess the possible impact on their crops. Where these systems are not available, protective covers or nets are recommended, especially for vegetables and, where possible, fruit trees.

For small-scale producers, the advice includes watering crops and soil before the coldest hours to help maintain humidity and reduce frost damage. The agricultural note also recommends attention to crops in sensitive development stages and preventive use of biostimulants in fruit and vegetable systems.

Authorities reminded growers that the values remain forecasts and may change in the coming days. Updates are expected after 18:00 through official meteorological channels.

source and graphics: frutasdechile.cl