Heavy rain forecast to return to Coquimbo and Valparaíso this Friday: check affected sectors

A new weather system is set to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and gusts reaching up to 60 kilometers per hour to the regions of Coquimbo and Valparaíso in Chile this Friday. The forecast indicates that these areas will experience the most intense effects of the front, prompting meteorologists to urge residents to prepare for potential disruptions. According to the Dirección Meteorológica de Chile (DMC), the event is expected to begin on Thursday, July 30, and continue through Friday, July 31, with the heaviest conditions anticipated on the latter day. Meteorologist Jaime Leyton from Megatiempo warned that in Valparaíso, the rain could lead to road collapses or closures, particularly in coastal areas. He emphasized the need for preparedness, noting that the event could last anywhere from two to four days. The DMC has issued detailed forecasts outlining the specific impacts for each affected commune within both regions. In the region of Coquimbo, the city of La Serena and Coquimbo will see wind speeds ranging from 25 to 40 kilometers per hour during the morning, with afternoon showers and gusts of up to 50 kilometers per hour. By nightfall, isolated showers are expected, which may persist into Saturday morning. In Vicuña, similar patterns are anticipated, with wind speeds increasing in the afternoon and persistent showers continuing into Saturday. Ovalle faces comparable conditions, with wind gusts reaching 50 kilometers per hour in the afternoon and continued rainfall throughout the evening and into Saturday. Combarbalá will start with isolated showers and winds between 25 and 40 kilometers per hour in the morning, followed by stronger gusts in the afternoon. Rainfall is expected to continue through the night and into Saturday. Illapel and Los Vilos will experience similar weather patterns, with wind speeds peaking at 50 kilometers per hour in the afternoon and rainfall extending into Saturday morning. In the region of Valparaíso, the impact mirrors that of Coquimbo. La Ligua will see isolated showers with wind speeds between 25 and 40 kilometers per hour in the morning, escalating to 50 kilometers per hour in the afternoon. Nighttime rainfall is expected, with showers potentially lasting until Saturday morning. Papudo and Zapallar face higher wind gusts, reaching up to 60 kilometers per hour in the afternoon, with some relief in the evening before renewed showers overnight. San Felipe, Los Andes, La Calera, and Quillota all anticipate similar weather conditions, with wind speeds increasing in the afternoon and rainfall continuing into the night. These communities should remain vigilant for prolonged periods of rain that could extend into Saturday. The ongoing weather challenges highlight the importance of infrastructure resilience in coastal regions. Meanwhile, the port of Valparaíso is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at doubling its container handling capacity and enhancing its logistics capabilities. This project, supported by local citizens and nearing the licensing stage, aims to integrate new urban spaces along the coastline, improving the synergy between the city and its port activities. The port's performance in recent years has been robust, moving over 9.4 million tons of cargo in 2025, surpassing global efficiency benchmarks and solidifying its position as a key player in regional trade. As the weather system approaches, authorities and residents alike are being urged to take necessary precautions to mitigate potential risks associated with heavy rainfall and high winds. With the combination of natural challenges and infrastructure developments, the regions of Coquimbo and Valparaíso stand at a critical juncture, balancing environmental concerns with economic growth.