Snow in Santiago Chile

It's snowing in Santiago!!!!

A cold front blowing up through Chile coming directly from Antartica has left Santiago blanketed in white. Temperatures dropped to below zero last night and around 9pm the first snowflakes started falling. It gradually got heavier leaving the ground and trees covered in white powder.

The last time it snowed in Santiago was in September 1999 and only very lightly. This time it reached almost every part of Santiago and heavier, causing a lot of problems in the higher suburbs.

Classes at most schools have been suspended today.

The 'Mendoza Run' Border Closed

The pass known as Paso Internacional Los Libertadores in the Andes Mountains that connects Chile (Santiago) with Argentina (Mendoza) was closed today (22 July) from 3pm due to intense snow conditions.

Another cold front will hit the central area of Chile tomorrow bringing further rain and cold conditions making it uncertain as to when it will reopen.

This route between Santiago and Mendoza is frequently used to transport freight between the two countries but is also well know by foreigners who don't have the appropriate visa to stay in Chile for long periods since they often have to make this trek across the mountains every 90 days. Unfortunately many do the 'Mendoza Run' on the weekend so hopefully not too many got trapped over the other side as a result of today's weather conditions.