Chile's Capital Region Faces Record Cold in May 1950 - Hats and Gloves Essential
Commuters at bus stops seek refuge with hot drinks and close gatherings to combat the freezing temperatures. The majestic Andes mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop, their snowy tips shining brilliantly post a recent storm.
Mannequins dressed in warm clothes are on display in the storefronts along the main shopping streets near Santiago's central Plaza de Armas. People waiting at bus stops are holding hot coffees tightly and staying close together to keep warm. In the distance, the Andes mountains look stunning as always, with their snowy peaks shining brightly after a recent storm.
Santiago is currently experiencing an unusually cold period. Following an eight-day "cold wave" that swept through the capital city this week, the average temperature for May has dropped to 37 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius) - the lowest it has been since 1950. This information comes from Angélica Guzmán, a meteorologist at the Chilean Meteorological Directorate.
Thursday was the coldest day of the year, with temperatures dropping to 30 degrees at one weather station.
Rosita Moya, a publicist, bundled up in double layers on the chilly Friday morning. She had to search for her hat while wearing her fur-lined parka with the hood up.
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Chileans are accustomed to cold weather, but they are not used to experiencing it this early in the year. Usually, in May, the temperature in Santiago reaches a pleasant high of 64 degrees during the day and drops to 43 degrees at night. The coldest part of winter usually hits in July, with an average low of 37 degrees.
The unusual weather forecast is due to a mass of cold air that will linger throughout the weekend, according to Guzáman. Below-average temperatures are expected to persist in the coming days.
Authorities across the country have announced a "code blue", which means additional shelters and services are available for the homeless.
On a radio broadcast Thursday night, an announcer reminded listeners to be prepared for the cold weather. They emphasized the importance of wearing warm clothes, closed shoes, and protecting exposed body parts. It is crucial to stay covered up to stay warm and safe.
A customer wearing a puffer jacket stands in front of a kiosk in Santiago, Chile, Friday, May 17, 2024.
A customer wearing a puffer jacket stands in front of a kiosk in Santiago, Chile, Friday, May 17, 2024.
Esteban Felix/AP
A drone view shows San Cristobal hill during a season of low temperatures in Santiago, Chile, May 15, 2024.
A drone view shows San Cristobal hill during a season of low temperatures in Santiago, Chile, May 15, 2024.
Ivan Alvarado/Reuters
Diamira Salas was bundled up in a puffer jacket near the central La Vega market. She was enjoying a warm quinoa drink with brown sugar and pineapple from a street cart. The thick, hearty beverage was perfect for warding off the morning chill.
"It's full of natural protein and provides calories in this cold weather," explained Salas, who works as a nurse.
Some Santiaguinos have not been very mindful of their diets during the cold weather. Nancy Mujica, who manages a magazine kiosk in the Bellas Artes neighborhood, mentioned that chocolates, cookies, and lots of coffee have been popular choices for many.
At Santo Tisla's fruit and vegetable stand, the cold weather has negatively impacted business. Grapes have frozen into chunks of ice, and when customers reach out to touch the produce, Tisla jokingly mimicked their reaction, "Ah! It's very cold," while pulling back his ungloved hand.
Life continues to move forward in chilly Santiago as the seasons shift and the tree-lined boulevards begin to show their first orange hues of the year.
On Thursday after work, the usual crowd of people with retractable ID badges gathered for a happy hour pisco at the sidewalk bars in the upscale Lastarria neighborhood. Nearby, blue-flamed heat lamps illuminated the scene as a street performer in drag entertained the group with lively Latin pop music.
Her costume - a skimpy, spangly two-piece - was mostly covered up, except during the high points of the song, when she shed her fleece and draped it over her shoulder with a twirl.
Editor's P/S:
Santiago's unusual cold weather has brought forth a mix of challenges and adaptations for its residents. While the stunning wintery Andes provide a picturesque backdrop, the plummeting temperatures and heavy rains have also resulted in flooding in southern Brazil, leaving many unaccounted for and deceased. The cold snap, the likes of which haven't been seen in decades, has forced Santiaguinos to bundle up in layers and seek refuge in shelters and warm beverages. Healthcare workers like Diamira Salas emphasize the importance of consuming calorie-rich drinks like quinoa to combat the cold, while others indulge in comfort foods like chocolates and coffee.
Despite the frigid conditions, the city's spirit remains unyielding. People continue to gather for social events, albeit with heat lamps and covered-up costumes. The cold weather has also impacted businesses, with some fruit and vegetable vendors facing frozen produce and dwindling sales. As the seasons shift and the city's tree-lined boulevards don their autumn hues, Santiago's residents navigate the challenges of winter with resilience and determination, finding ways to stay warm and connected amidst the cold.
