A polar wave brought record-breaking cold across Chile on June 30, with below-freezing temperatures recorded from the northern Altiplano to Patagonia.
In the La Araucanía region, Temuco recorded -7.9°C (17.8°F), the lowest temperature since records began in 1941. The previous record was -6.8°C (19.8°F), set in 1979. Also in La Araucanía, Angol registered -5.9°C (21.4°F), and Victoria reached -7.8°C (18°F).
In Chillán, in the south-central part of the country, temperatures dropped to -9.3°C (15.3°F), surpassing all previous records since measurements began in 1947 at the General Bernardo O’Higgins airport station. The city of Retiro, also in the south-central region, recorded the same low of -9.3°C (15.3°F).
In the Los Lagos region, Puerto Montt set a new record with -8.1°C (17.4°F). The El Tepual station has been operating since 1963, and this was the lowest temperature recorded since then. In Osorno, temperatures dropped to -8.9°C (16°F), the second-lowest value since observations began in 1952, surpassed only by -9°C (15.8°F) in 1985.
In the Los Ríos region, Mariquina recorded -6.4°C (20.5°F), the second-lowest temperature since 1965, behind only -6.8°C (19.8°F) recorded in 1979. In La Unión, the minimum was -7.5°C (18.5°F), while Futaleufú, in the Aysén region, registered -9.9°C (14.2°F).
Southern Chile also experienced severe cold, with the main station in Coyhaique recording -10.8°C (12.6°F), while the secondary station in Balmaceda reached -18.9°C (-2°F), one of the lowest temperatures in the country on that day. In Quellón, on Chiloé Island, temperatures dropped to -6.5°C (20.3°F), and in Puerto Varas, -4.6°C (23.7°F).
In Ollagüe, in northern Chile’s Antofagasta region, the minimum temperature was -18°C (-0.4°F), one of the lowest in the country. The towns of General Lagos and Colchane, both in the Altiplano, recorded -11°C (12.2°F). In Pumanque, in the O’Higgins region, the temperature was -5.7°C (21.7°F). In the Biobío region, Curanilahue, which has records dating back to 1965, recorded a low of -6.4°C (20.5°F).
The cold wave prompted the Argentinian government to close a border crossing with Chile starting July 1. The decision followed multiple reports from the National Road Authority regarding impassable conditions on National Route 242, which connects Argentina with Chile via this international crossing.
The Pino Hachado Border Crossing is a strategic route linking the town of Las Lajas in Neuquén Province with Liucura in Chile’s La Araucanía Region. Used by private vehicles, freight, and long-distance buses, the crossing sits at 1 884 m (6 181 feet) above sea level in the Andes. According to official information, the closure will remain in effect until weather conditions improve and the safety of drivers, passengers, and border personnel is ensured.
On the morning of June 29, the National Road Authority reported that the Pino Hachado crossing was impassable due to accumulated ice and snow, along with “white wind” (blizzard conditions). A report issued at 08:15 local time (LT) stated: “Roadway with ice accumulation and white wind.” Later, at 10:15 LT, authorities confirmed a temporary reopening from 11:00 LT, with the road “passable with extreme caution.”
Authorities issued warnings about ice formation on several sections, low traction, stray animals, and possible rockfalls around kilometer 48 of the route. Chains were mandatory for all vehicles, and National Road Authority personnel and equipment were continuously operating in the area.
