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2025 New Year’s Weekend Forecast: Heatwave for Central Chile, Storms in the South
A starkly contrasting weather pattern is expected to define the final weekend of 2025 across Chile, with scorching temperatures anticipated in the central region, summer rains in the north, and active frontal systems impacting Patagonia and the far south.
A Nation Divided by Weather
The forecast, detailed in a report by Meteored meteorologist Pamela Henríquez, paints a picture of important regional variations. While much of the country prepares for a typical end-of-year transition, specific areas will experience conditions far from the norm.
Northern Chile: Coastal Clouds and Moderate Temperatures
Between Arica and Antofagasta, conditions are expected to remain relatively stable. Mornings will likely begin with extensive coastal cloud cover, gradually giving way to partial clearing in the afternoons. Temperatures in this region will remain within seasonal averages, peaking between 22 and 24 °C along the coast. Calama is forecast to see temperatures fluctuating between 21 and 23 °C, while San Pedro de atacama and Copiapó could reach highs of 27 to 30 °C during the afternoon hours.
Central Chile: Bracing for a Heatwave
The central zone is bracing for the moast intense heat. Maximum temperatures are predicted to soar to 36 °C, particularly in inland sectors. However, a brief respite is expected on Friday, December 26th, as cooler air moves in from the Pacific Ocean. “On Friday, cities like San Felipe, Santiago, Rancagua, and Chillán will register maximum temperatures below 30 °C,” one expert noted. This relief will be short-lived, however, as temperatures are forecast to climb again on Saturday, exceeding 30 °C in foothills and central valley communities. Peripheral areas of the Metropolitan Region, as well as regions within O’Higgins, Maule, Ñuble, and Bío Bío, are expected to experience the highest temperatures, possibly reaching 36 °C.
Southern Chile: Pleasant Temperatures and Intermittent Rainfall
further south, from the Araucanía to Los Lagos regions, conditions will be considerably more temperate. Temuco and Valdivia are expected to see highs of 16 and 17 °C on both Friday and saturday. In Aysén and Magellan, the weekend will be marked by cool, but relatively mild temperatures for the region, with maximums around 14 to 16 °C on Friday. Though, minimum temperatures could dip below 10 °C in inland areas.
Rainfall Expected in Northern and Southern Extremes
The northern part of the country will see a chance of precipitation concentrated in the foothills and mountain ranges of Arica, Tarapacá, and Antofagasta. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible between Friday and Sunday, particularly during the afternoon and evening.
In contrast, the central region is not expected to receive any rainfall this weekend, though high cloudiness and cloud development in the mountain range are anticipated.
Between La Araucanía and Los Lagos, intermittent rainfall is forecast, primarily on Friday and into Saturday. Sectors like Petrohué and Puerto Montt could accumulate between 5 and 15 mm of rain, accompanied by winds between 40 and 50 km/h. Aysén and Magellan are expected to receive significant rainfall, potentially exceeding 40 mm in inland areas such as Puerto Natales.
