Tiltil: Climate
Chile is a geographically diverse country with a wide range of climates classified under the Köppen system. The country spans multiple climate zones, from the hyper-arid desert climate (BWk and BWh) of the Atacama Desert in the north to the temperate oceanic climate (Cfb and Cfc) in the south. Central Chile features a Mediterranean climate (Csa, Csb, and Csc), characterized by wet winters and dry summers, while parts of the Andes exhibit alpine climates (ET and EF) due to high altitudes.
Tiltil, located in the central region of Chile, is naturally characterized by its dry, warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Csb). The rain shadow effect plays a crucial role in shaping the dry climate of Tiltil. A rain shadow occurs when moist air from the ocean is forced to rise over a mountain range. As the air ascends, it cools and releases moisture in the form of rain or snow on the windward side of the mountains. By the time the air reaches the leeward side, it has lost most of its moisture, resulting in significantly reduced rainfall and a drier climate.
Tiltil is situated in the Chacabuco Valley, on the leeward side of the Chilean Coastal Range (Cordillera de la Costa). The Coastal Range acts as a natural barrier, blocking much of the moisture from the Pacific Ocean. As a result, Tiltil experiences a semi-arid climate with low annual rainfall, long dry periods, and frequent droughts.
Historically, the area had access to water resources, as seen in the photos below from the 1950s, when water availability supported local ecosystems and more vegetation was visible. However, in recent decades, Tiltil has faced a severe and prolonged drought. This ongoing water scarcity has deeply impacted the landscape, economy, and quality of life for residents.
Using temperature and precipitation data from nearby Pudahuel, we can observe these alarming trends in the Gaussen diagrams. Comparing the averages of the past 30 years (black lines), the last decade (blue lines), and the last 5 years (red lines), the diagrams reveal a steady decline in annual precipitation and the increasing duration of drought. This pattern is consistent with broader climate change impacts seen throughout central Chile, where prolonged dry seasons are becoming the norm.
The privatization of water has worsened drought conditions in regions like Tiltil, as access to water is often limited to those who can afford it. This exacerbates inequalities and leaves vulnerable communities struggling to cope with water shortages, further straining already scarce resources.
Additionally, climate change in Tiltil has heightened the risk of wildfires. Rising temperatures and prolonged drought create the ideal conditions for fires to ignite and spread, endangering ecosystems and communities.
