Potent storm to bring heavy rain, snow to Chile and Argentina this weekend

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

June 28, 2018, 12:51:55 PM EDT

As winter continues across Chile and Argentina, a storm will unleash heavy rain and mountain snow this weekend.

Rain will spread into the central coast of Chile Saturday night before increasing in intensity on Sunday.

The heaviest rain is expected across central Chile from La Serena southward to near Concepcion.

This includes Valparaiso and Santiago, where flooding is possible. Areas of rugged terrain will be at risk for mudslides.

"This will be the heaviest rainfall of the season so far for Santiago," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Rob Miller.

Rainfall may amount to around 25 mm (1 inch) in Santiago with 50-75 mm (2-3 inches) in the foothills where localized flooding and mudslides can occur.

"Motorists may face slick road conditions as the rain initially arrives and mixes with oil residue left behind during the recent dry spell," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski said.

The rain will be beneficial for areas that do not experience flooding, as much of the region has received 50 percent or less of their normal rainfall so far this year.

Cool air accompanying the storm can hold temperatures on Sunday to the lower teens C (50s F).

Heavy snow will fall in the higher elevations, including many popular ski resorts, across central Chile. Travel to these resorts will be impaired Saturday night into Monday; however, the fresh snow will be welcomed by skiers in the region.

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Farther east, this storm system will also impact parts of northern Argentina and Uruguay.

Rain and thunderstorms will become widespread from Rosario to Buenos Aires and Montevideo late Saturday night into Sunday.

The heaviest rainfall is expected during the day on Sunday and could result in some localized flooding and travel delays.

Much cooler weather will follow this storm across Argentina and Uruguay, as well.

High temperatures on from Tuesday through Thursday will range from 13-15 C (56-59 F) in both Buenos Aires and Montevideo.