Chile is experiencing its most intense cold snap in nearly 70 years, bringing winter weather in the middle of autumn. As Chileans bundle up against the unexpected chill, climatologists warn that such extreme weather events underscore global climate concerns that could have significant implications for Asia.
“Since 1950, that is, in the last 74 years, we had not had a cold wave as intense as the current one in May,” said Raul Cordero, a climatologist at the University of Santiago. “We are in the presence of the longest cold wave ever recorded in the capital, at least since 1950 for fall.”
The abrupt change saw temperatures in central Santiago plummet to near 1 degree Celsius (34 Fahrenheit), with snowy peaks appearing on mountains near the capital just days after summer heat ended. “Before, May was a very autumnal month, and now we go from extreme heat to extreme cold,” observed student Francisca Vergara.
The Chilean government declared a “code blue” in six regions to assist those living on the streets in coping with the extreme cold. Cordero noted that polar cold masses clashing with tropical warm ones can trigger severe storms, similar to recent events in Brazil where heavy rains and floods resulted in almost 150 deaths.
“These masses could have been found a few hundred kilometers further north or south, and the consequences would have been different,” Cordero explained. He emphasized that while climate change and weather phenomena like El Niño and La Niña play significant roles, sometimes bad luck contributes to the severity of such events.
These extreme weather patterns are not confined to South America. Asian countries have also witnessed unusual and severe weather events in recent years, raising concerns about preparedness and resilience. The interplay between cold and warm air masses can lead to devastating storms, floods, and temperature anomalies in the Asian region.
For Asia’s global readers, business professionals, academics, diaspora communities, and travelers, understanding these climate developments is crucial. The Chilean cold snap serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global weather patterns and the shared challenges posed by climate change.
Governments and communities across Asia may need to consider the implications of such extreme weather events, investing in infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and collaborative research to mitigate risks. As the world continues to grapple with climate change, shared experiences like Chile’s record cold snap offer valuable lessons for regions thousands of kilometers away.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
