Chile’s capital experiences first ever rainless July

SANTIAGO-

In July, for the first time since measurements began, not a single drop of rain fell in Santiago or the Chilean metropolitan region.

Alicia Moya, a meteorologist with the Chilean government, said several meteorological stations in the metropolitan area had registered zero millimeters of precipitation, while other stations in the country registered record low values.

“This hasn’t happened since the 1950s, which is when we have data,” Moya said, adding that the “abnormally dry” July is unusual during the Australian winter.

Chile has been in the grip of a devastating drought for more than a decade. While heavy rains in June have provided some relief to drought-stricken lakes, the dry month of July is a sign that drier conditions are likely to persist.

Raul Cordero, a climatologist at the University of Santiago, says Santiago typically sees at least 50 millimeters (2 inches) of rain in July and that any month with less than 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) is “extraordinary.”

According to Cordero, the city recorded less than 1 millimeter of snow in 2021. Climate change and the possibility of the La Niña weather phenomenon increase the likelihood of extremely dry months.

“Unfortunately, we will soon be faced with dry July months again, without precipitation,” said Cordero.

(Reporting by Jorge Vega; Writing by Alexander Villegas; Editing by Sandra Maler)