Thirty counties in the United States are currently on alert, and many have received evacuation orders due to the threat of the hurricane. Miltona phenomenon that has captured global attention. These powerful tropical cyclones usually develop in the northern hemisphere, where ocean conditions are favorable for their formation. However, a question arises for Chileans: Could a phenomenon like this occur in Chile?
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Hurricanes, also known as tropical cyclones, are low pressure systems that generate extremely strong winds, generally exceeding 120 km/h. In the case of Miltonthe winds reached 250 km/h, which led to its classification as a category 4 hurricane. According to experts in atmospheric sciences, the formation of these phenomena depends on a specific combination of factors, such as high humidity in the atmosphere, wind stability and the presence of warm waters.
Chilidue to its location in the southern hemisphere and the influence of the Pacific Ocean, has a very different environment from areas where hurricanes are common. According to Dr. Julio Marín, an academic at the University of Valparaíso, the probability of a hurricane directly affecting Chile is extremely low. The waters of the Pacific off the Chilean coast are cold all year round, with temperatures rarely exceeding 20?°C, making it very difficult for tropical cyclones such as the Milton. These systems require warm oceans, with temperatures of at least 26?°C, to acquire the energy necessary for their development.
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Another key factor that makes the formation of hurricanes in Chile unlikely is geographic location. Tropical cyclones do not cross the equator, as they need the influence of the Earth’s rotation to develop their characteristic spin. In areas close to the equator, that influence is minimal, which prevents hurricanes like Milton form or move towards the southern hemisphere. This means that Chile is practically out of the danger zone of these meteorological phenomena.
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However, Chile is not completely exempt from phenomena similar to the Milton. Although hurricanes do not affect the country, it has been impacted by extratropical cyclones, which are low pressure systems with different characteristics than tropical cyclones. These can bring strong winds, precipitation and storm surge, but they do not reach the same devastating intensity as hurricanes.
