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Jun 16, 20261
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Chile to Experience Intense Rainfall Up to 120 Millimeters This Week

Two frontal systems and cold air phenomenon will bring Chile between 100-120 millimeters of rainfall, snow, and winds up to 80 km/h this week, particularly affecting southern and Patagonian regions beginning Wednesday, June 17.





Quick Facts
Who
Meteored forecasters
What
Two frontal systems and cold air phenomenon causing precipitation
When
Wednesday, June 17
Where
Antofagasta
- Two frontal systems and cold air phenomenon causing precipitation
- Rainfall accumulation
- Snowfall in cordillera regions
- Wind gusts expected
- Temperature drop
Chile will face a meteorologically active week with two frontal systems and a cold air phenomenon bringing significant precipitation, snow, and wind across multiple regions. According to forecasters, rainfall accumulation could reach between 100 and 120 millimeters in certain areas, particularly toward the south and Patagonia. The central zone is expected to largely escape the most intense rainfall, though snow may fall in cordillera sectors, with rain ruled out for Santiago in the short term.
Precipitation will begin arriving Wednesday, June 17, starting in the cordillera of Antofagasta, Atacama, and Coquimbo regions, where low temperatures will favor snowfall at higher elevations. Instability is expected to extend through the cordillera from southern Tarapacá to Maule, with the most significant rainfall concentrated between Atacama and Coquimbo. The austral zone will be affected from Wednesday, with precipitation expected in Magallanes and portions of Aysén in a rapid weather event lasting until Thursday morning.
A second and more powerful frontal system will arrive Friday, June 19, bringing wind gusts up to 80 kilometers per hour in Patagonia sectors, alongside rain and snow in the southern cordillera. During Friday evening and night, the front will reach southern regions with intense showers affecting Arauco province, the foothills of La Araucanía, and coastal cordillera areas in Los Lagos. Snowfall could persist until Saturday morning, June 20, with showers losing intensity that day, though some precipitation may continue in the south through early Sunday, June 21.
The end of the week will bring a notable temperature drop as a cold air mass arrives, potentially causing local frost in central zone areas during morning hours, marking the beginning of winter with significant atmospheric instability.
Why This Matters
This weather event poses significant risks to transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure across Chile's southern regions. The combination of heavy rainfall, snow, and strong winds could disrupt supply chains, affect water management systems, and create hazardous road conditions. Residents in affected areas should prepare for potential service disruptions and take precautions for winter weather safety.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireFirst precipitation arrives in cordillera of Antofagasta, Atacama, and Coquimbo
Jun 17, 2026
WireFirst frontal system affects austral zone with precipitation in Magallanes and Aysén
Jun 18, 2026
WirePossible drizzle in coastal sectors of center and south during Thursday early morning
Jun 18, 2026
WireFirst frontal system concludes in austral zone
Jun 19, 2026
WireSecond frontal system arrives with stronger intensity, wind up to 80 km/h
Jun 19, 2026
WireSecond front reaches southern regions with intense showers
Jun 20, 2026
WireSnowfall may persist until Saturday morning
Jun 21, 2026
WirePrecipitation continues through early Sunday morning
Jun 21, 2026
WireWinter begins with notable temperature drop and potential local frost in central zone