Waiting for the rain: a meteorologist explains why Santa Cruz registers a “precipitation deficit”

When will it rain in Santa Cruz? It is the question that many ask themselves these days. After a weekend with thermometers above 40° C, since yesterday (Wednesday) the temperatures began to drop. But, the much-announced rain is expected to cool the city.

Meteorologist Cristina Chirinos explains this phenomenon. “Obviously we have a rainfall deficit in Santa Cruz. ANDThe La Niña phenomenon, which has been present in the atmosphere since 2020, is affecting it.” The effects extend both during the past year and in this 2022.

“This event is generating clear skies, high temperatures and a lack of rain, but it is not only in Santa Cruz, but in various places in our country,” Chirinos details. The drought experienced in much of the country reflects the lack of rain for much of the year.

Photo: Ricardo Montero

Rainfall has covered part of the region Chiquitana and the Integrated North of Santa Cruz. It is sporadic rains, of great intensity and localized. For this reason, although they are felt in some areas, in others it is still expected that they will also benefit from this climatic phenomenon.

“YWe have entered the rainy season which, statistically speaking, lasts until March. But the rainfall deficit comes from 2020 and has become more accentuated this year,” he explained. Chirinos.

Precipitation in 2022 is well below its peak, in 2019. Cristina Chirinos

The high temperatures of the past few days are also the effect of the La Niña phenomenon. The records indicate that 40 ° C in the capital of the department is bordering on historical values.