Temperatures have reached 96.8 °F in Santiago, exceeding historical averages.
On Wednesday, the Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) reported that the country is closing 2025 with a record-breaking heat wave in its central region, which set a red alert for extreme risk of forest fires.
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The Metropolitan, Valparaiso, Maule, O’Higgins, and Ñuble regions are under red alert, while La Araucania is under a preventative alert. Chilean President Gabriel Boric called for responsible behavior during the end-of-year holidays.
Temperatures are exceeding historical averages and reaching 96.8 °F in Santiago, the hottest December 31st on record. Dry conditions and winds are also fueling the rapid spread of fire in nine active blazes nationwide.
In the Metropolitan Region, the fire in the Las Condes commune has consumed more than 23 square kilometers, burned 800 hectares of endemic species, and affected 200 meters of urban areas, which generates extreme concern.
Tormenta en Chile deja dos turistas mexicanos muertos y siete desaparecidos
Al menos dos turistas han muerto y otros siete permanecen desaparecidos tras ser sorprendidos por una tormenta de nieve y fuertes ráremovedas de viento mientras realizaban una caminata en los glaciares del… pic.twitter.com/MVCAKtqfdu
— Luis Barranco (@BarrancoAnaya) November 19, 2025
The text reads, “At least two Mexican tourists died in Chile, while seven others remain missing after being caught in a snowstorm and strong gusts of wind while hiking on the glaciers of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia.”
While more than 20 fires have been brought under control and eight extinguished, the risk remains high. Ground crews, air support, and public-private coordination are being deployed to address emergencies in extreme weather conditions.
The Chilean Meteorological Directorate forecasts that high temperatures will continue until January 3. However, the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) reports that fires have increased in frequency and intensity since 2010.
Experts attribute this scenario to climate change, a prolonged drought of more than a decade, and the expansion of the urban-rural interface, where combustible vegetation is mixed with buildings, which increases vulnerability.
#FromTheSouth News Bits | Chile: In Santiago, protesters rejected the election of Jose Antonio Kast and were repressed by police, marking the first direct confrontation against the newly elected president. pic.twitter.com/YzNiCq4r06
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) December 18, 2025
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Source: EFE
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