What is the “neckline of death”, the phenomenon that affects Chile

After a relatively dry month, rain is back in force in Chile. The weather forecast indicates that this Thursday and Friday there will be precipitation and winds throughout the country. However, a strange phenomenon appeared on the map.

It is “the neckline of death” – or “of the devil” – a type of frontal system seen as having the shape of the letter V and which could bring rather light rain and wind in the metropolitan area.

This particular term, as it is said in The third the Chilevisión meteorologist, Eduardo Saez was presented by a professor from the University of Chile to explain “when a configuration forms where the concentration of precipitation in the valleys decreases relative to the mountain range and the coast.”

This is the complete explanation of the next phenomenon that should affect the country in the coming days.

Sáez explains to LT What “the neckline of death” is seen as a letter V on the map, because, under the effect of the winds, it makes the frontal system take this shape and there is a “free” area (in this case, the metropolitan area) that has lower rainfall compared to the rest.

And, even if the name may be scary, the meteorologist calls for calm and explains that It’s a “colloquial term among meteorologists,” but it doesn’t mean anything bad is going to happen.

“The term is laughed at by meteorologists, but it has leaked and can therefore be misunderstood. “It has to do with one of our internal jokes.” said Sáez between laughs.

Back to the technique, the expert explains that thanks to this phenomenon, “If we look at the amount of rain, in Santiago it won’t rain as much as in Valparaíso. But if it’s going to rain, it’s going to rain anyway. There’s no doubt.”

The only thing “different” about this system is that the concentration of winds and precipitation will be in the mountains and on the coast, while the valleys will perceive less intensity.

Sáez predicts that this Thursday the frontal system will affect the Valparaíso region up to the Biobío region. However, “Concentrated or mainly heavy precipitation is expected from the Maule region to the south.”

“This will also be accompanied by intense winds,” he adds.

Already night, A little before noon, it could start raining in the Valparaíso region and in San Antonio. “This rain, in the early hours of Friday on the coasts of the regions of Valparaíso, O’Higgins and Coquimbo, will be quite intense.”

In summary, the meteorologist assures that “there will be very heavy rains, especially in the morning and at night, from the region of Los Lagos and Ñuble” and that later these precipitations will concentrate a little further north.

Following the forecasts, the Chilean Meteorological Directorate (DMC) through its weather warning system, has published a moderate to strong wind alert for coastal areas between the regions of Coquimbo and Biobío from last Wednesday to Friday.

In addition, he warned of possible winds and precipitation of “normal to moderate level” in the central and southern areas.

On the other hand, the specialized platform Weathered assured that The rain in Santiago could start at 11pm this Thursday, August 1st, with an approximate temperature of 10°C and could continue until Saturday, when it will start at 8am. should start to weaken.

DMC data predicts that Friday, August 2 will be the most intense for the Metropolitan region.

In addition to the above, The DMC maintains a rainfall alert for the regions of Maule, Ñuble and Biobío. And they will be present with a high zero isotherm. This means that rain will fall in liquid form where snow usually occurs, which can generate alluvium and carry sediment.

Around 120 and 180 millimeters are expected to fall in the south-central area. and, according to different meteorologists, it is also possible that there will be winds of up to 120 kilometers per hour.

He President Gabriel Boric He spoke about the forecasts for the southern regions of these days and assured that “instructs all authorities to deploy across the territory” to ensure the security of cities and residents.

In this sense, the president called for not trusting, “Because we know that natural disasters cost us dearly and can affect lives, so let’s all be prepared (…) We know what this can cause.”

Despite the warning, he also reassured that These rains should be less than those which occurred in June, where many parts of the country were flooded and there were a significant number of casualties.

According to National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) The population must take into account the following security measures:

• Stay informed about weather conditions.
• Check and clean the roof and gutters of houses as a precaution.
• Keep rainwater drainage routes free of dirt and debris.
• Avoid walking or driving in flooded areas or roads.
• Avoid entering mountainous areas, rivers, lakes and the sea, especially in adverse conditions.