Rain and strong winds sweep across Chile’s central and southern fruit regions

A frontal system brought widespread rain and strong winds to central and southern Chile over the weekend, affecting several of the country’s main fruit-growing regions.

According to Frutas de Chile, the weather event entered the central part of the country on July 31 and continued through August 2. Conditions were expected to improve in some central areas by today, although rain was forecast to continue farther south, particularly around Concepción in the Biobío Region.

Central regions received widespread rainfall

Rain affected the regions of Valparaíso, Metropolitan Santiago, O’Higgins and Maule, with winds generally ranging from 25 to 40 km/h. Some locations experienced stronger gusts of up to 50 or 60 km/h.

Coastal parts of Valparaíso recorded some of the strongest winds during the arrival of the system. Pichilemu, in the O’Higgins Region, was also forecast to receive gusts of up to 60 km/h.

Rain and showers continued across much of the central zone. In Maule, precipitation affected Curicó, Talca, Linares, Constitución, Cauquenes and other agricultural areas, accompanied by moderate winds in coastal and southern parts of the region.

Cloudy but generally drier conditions were expected in Santiago, Valparaíso and Curicó this week. Temperatures were forecast to remain low, with maximums of around 12°C to 16°C in Santiago and Valparaíso and between 8°C and 12°C in Curicó.

Rain continues in Biobío

Ñuble and Biobío experienced persistent rain and showers throughout the weekend. Winds of 25 to 40 km/h were forecast across both regions, while gusts reached up to 60 km/h in locations including Los Ángeles and Lebu during the early stages of the system.

Unlike much of central Chile, Concepción was expected to remain rainy this Monday. Further precipitation was also forecast for Tuesday, with temperatures staying between approximately 8°C and 16°C.

Persistent wet weather in southern Chile

La Araucanía, Los Ríos and Los Lagos also received frequent rain or showers. In Los Lagos, winds reached 40 to 60 km/h in areas including Puerto Montt, Ancud, Castro, Chaitén and Quellón.

Farther south, Aysén experienced a mixture of rain, sleet and snow. Melinka faced winds of 40 to 60 km/h and possible gusts of up to 70 km/h. Snow and sleet were also reported or forecast in parts of Magallanes.

Producers are advised to inspect orchards, drainage systems and infrastructure once conditions improve, paying particular attention to waterlogged soils and wind damage.

source and photo: frutasdechile.cl