Chile's central regions brace for weather system, but intensity is reduced

A weather system that battered southern Chile is now moving toward the central regions, but meteorologists anticipate a considerably weaker impact.

Elio Bruford, an expert from Chile's Directorate of Meteorology (DMC), stated that the frontal system, which caused significant damage in the south, is expected to reach the central zone on Thursday. It is forecast to remain in the area until early Saturday morning.

Bruford explained that the system's northern limit should extend to the Valparaíso Region, bringing precipitation to mountainous and foothills areas. In the valleys, including the Metropolitan Region, rainfall is expected to be less than one millimeter. The O'Higgins Region may see less than five millimeters of rain.

Given these low levels, Bruford emphasized that the central regions should not expect an impact similar to what occurred in the south. The severe conditions in areas like Corral in the Los Ríos Region were attributed to a frontal system combined with an intense atmospheric river, which is not present with this second system.