Santiago is shaking off the chills like never before! ❄️🧥 The capital of Chile is currently experiencing its fiercest cold snap in nearly seven decades, and residents are feeling the freeze.
According to climatologist Raul Cordero from the University of Santiago, this is the most intense cold wave to hit the region since 1950. \"We haven't seen a cold wave this intense in May in the last 74 years,\" Cordero told Reuters.
Temperatures dipped to a frosty 1°C (34°F) in central Santiago on Thursday, a stark contrast to the warm summer days that ended just weeks ago. The sudden shift has left the mountains surrounding the city dusted with snow, creating a winter wonderland in the midst of autumn.
\"Before, May felt like a true autumn month, but now we're jumping from extreme heat to extreme cold!\" said student Francisca Vergara, clutching a steaming cup of coffee to keep warm.
In response to the icy temperatures, the Chilean government has declared a \"code blue\" in six regions across central and south-central Chile. This initiative aims to support people living on the streets, ensuring they have access to shelters and warm clothing during this unexpected freeze.
Cordero explained that clashes between polar cold masses and tropical warm ones can lead to extreme weather events. \"These interactions can cause storms like the recent ones in Brazil, where heavy rains and floods tragically claimed almost 150 lives,\" he noted.
While climate change and phenomena like El Niño and La Niña play significant roles, Cordero also attributes some of the extreme weather to sheer bad luck. \"These masses could have met a few hundred kilometers north or south, and the consequences would have been different,\" he said.
As Santiago residents layer up and brace against the cold, many are hoping this is just a brief visit from winter. Until then, it's time to break out the cozy sweaters and enjoy a warm cup of something delicious! ☕️🧣
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
