The Dirección Meteorológica de Chile (DMC) has issued a weather alert for moderate to heavy rainfall across three southern regions, effective from the morning of Tuesday, July 7, through the morning of Wednesday, July 8. The system is expected to impact La Araucanía, Los Ríos, and Los Lagos, prompting the Servicio Nacional de Prevención y Respuesta ante Desastres (Senapred) to declare an early preventive alert for these areas due to the potential risk to the public.
Regional rainfall projections
According to the DMC, the intensity of the system varies by region and geography. In La Araucanía, forecasted totals range from 40 to 80 mm in the litoral and coastal range, rising to 85 mm in the precordillera. Los Ríos faces heavier impacts, with estimates reaching up to 100 mm in both the coastal range and the precordillera, while the valley and cordillera areas expect between 55 and 90 mm.
Los Lagos is also under high-intensity warnings, with rainfall totals predicted to reach 100 mm in the coastal range and precordillera, and up to 95 mm in the cordillera. Additionally, the DMC has issued a separate weather advisory for normal to moderate rainfall in the valleys of La Araucanía and Los Lagos, with estimates of 35–60 mm and 40–50 mm respectively.
Isotherm levels and extended forecast
The freezing level, or isoterma cero, is a critical factor for potential flooding and snowmelt. In La Araucanía, the DMC reports the freezing level will fluctuate between 2,700 and 3,200 meters before settling at 3,000 meters. For Los Ríos and Los Lagos, the level is expected to remain between 2,600 and 3,000 meters throughout the event.
Beyond this immediate system, a warm front is expected to bring further precipitation starting Wednesday, July 8. This second phase will affect the Biobío region from the coast to the cordillera, with rainfall totals reaching up to 64 mm in the cordillera by Wednesday. By Thursday, July 9, the system is likely to extend into the precordillera and cordillera of Ñuble and Maule, where experts expect between 40 and 59 mm of rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an alert and an advisory?
According to the DMC, an advisory forecasts weather with moderate severity, whereas an alert indicates strong phenomena with a higher likelihood of creating risks for the public.
Which regions are currently under an early preventive alert?
Senapred has declared an early preventive alert for La Araucanía, Los Ríos, and Los Lagos due to the current system, with the Biobío region also included for rainfall expected on Wednesday morning.
How long will the initial weather alert last?
The current alert issued by the DMC covers the period from the morning of Tuesday, July 7, to the morning of Wednesday, July 8.
Are you prepared for potential disruptions in your area during this weather event?
