2024-08-05 10:17:42
Speaking to EL DÍNAMO, experts warned of the negative effects that the storm could have on the agricultural sector in the central part of the country and the damage it would cause.
A new front system, with a atmospheric river of the highest category, will leave intense rain and strong winds during the next few hours in central Chile.
The Meteorological Directorate of Chile (DMC) indicated that This storm could leave more than 100 mm of water between this Thursday, August 1 and Friday, August 2.
According to the agency, “the atmospheric river has great potential to cause landslides, river flooding and flooding.”
What will the frontal system that will affect the central area be like?
In conversation with THE DYNAMOthe academic from the University of Santiago (USACH) and climate expert, Edgardo Sepúlveda, warned of the damage that the atmospheric river could leave in the country.
“Two storms are coming to the central area. One has already reached the southern part of the country and is moving north to hit Santiago from Thursday night until early Saturday morning. While the next front should reach the capital during Monday or Tuesday of next week“, he explained.
Regarding the intensity of the frontal system expected for this day in the central zone, the USACH academic warned that “Unfortunately, a storm with a high intensity atmospheric river is forecast with category 4 or 5, which are the most dangerousas they intensify the storms causing the rains are very intense in a short period of time“.
“Besides, It is a warm front that makes the zero isotherm be in the mountain There may be mass removal in the mountain range and may generate a scenario of flooding and river overflows”, indicated the USACH expert.
New frosts could impact agriculture
Meanwhile, the agroclimatologist from the University of Talca, Patricio González, explained to THE DYNAMO that the large amount of rain expected in the south-central area of the country “can have a negative impact on the agricultural world, since in some localities rainfall of up to 100 millimeters is estimated and that can flooding the fields, damaging the preparation of the land for the September plantations”.
“We must be cautious, especially on Thursday and Friday, when this frontal system associated with wind could be more intense,” warned the expert.
In addition, the academic from the University of Talca added that “in the case of frosts, which will probably occur after this frontal system, Greenhouses may be affected, as well as those with tomato plantations and vegetable growers.which have already suffered enough from the frost and which may have problems again with these low temperatures.”
The expert also pointed out that “these systems normally They are accompanied by a mass of polar air that subsequently gives low temperature and that will occur between the Metropolitan regions to Ñuble, including Biobío, with ranges between zero to -3° during the early hours of August 7 and 8.”