Chilean Regions Brace for Electrical Storms
Three regions of Chile are preparing for potential electrical storms, according to a warning issued Saturday by the Chilean Meteorological Directorate (DMC). The affected areas are the regions of Arica and Parinacota, Tarapacá, and Antofagasta.
The forecast indicates the possibility of storms lasting up to four days, remaining in effect from the afternoon of Saturday, February 7th, through the night of Wednesday, February 11th. A separate meteorological alert was also issued for electrical storms expected during the afternoon and evening of Saturday.
Storm Details by Region
The meteorological report attributes the anticipated weather event to the Bolivian High, a weather pattern known to bring rainfall and electrical storms to the Altiplano region during the summer months. The storms are expected to be concentrated in the pre-cordillera and cordillera areas.
Here’s a breakdown of the forecast by region:
Arica and Parinacota Region
Precordillera: Saturday, February 7th and Sunday, February 8th.
Cordillera: Saturday, February 7th, Sunday, February 8th, Monday, February 9th, Tuesday, February 10th and Wednesday, February 11th.
Tarapacá Region
Precordillera: Saturday, February 7th, Sunday, February 8th and Monday, February 9th.
Cordillera: Saturday, February 7th, Sunday, February 8th, Monday, February 9th, Tuesday, February 10th and Wednesday, February 11th.
Antofagasta Region
Precordillera: Saturday, February 7th, Sunday, February 8th and Monday, February 9th.
Precordillera salar: Saturday, February 7th and Sunday, February 8th.
Cordillera: Saturday, February 7th, Sunday, February 8th, Monday, February 9th, Tuesday, February 10th and Wednesday, February 11th.
In addition to the storm warning, the DMC has issued another alert for normal to moderate precipitation over a short period of time, also affecting the same three regions, between Saturday, February 7th and Sunday, February 8th.
Emergency Preparedness
In response to these alerts, the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) has placed the provinces of Tamarugal, Parinacota, and El Loa under an Early Preventive Alert. The municipalities of Camarones, Antofagasta, Sierra Gorda, Taltal, and María Elena are also under alert.
As of Sunday, February 8th, Arica is experiencing cloudy conditions with a temperature of 23°C (73°F) and a south-southwest wind speed of 5 km/h. Humidity is at 80%, with no precipitation expected. The Arica Airport region is currently 73°F.
The BBC Weather forecast for Arica indicates sunny conditions and a fresh breeze for the next several days, with high temperatures around 29°C (84°F) and low temperatures around 21°C (69°F). Winds are expected to be westerly at around 24 mph (38 km/h).
