After analyzing predictive models, INIA Quilamapu agroclimatology researcher Raúl Orrego noted that the drop in pressure and the direction of the winds are practically identical to the day of January 26, 2017, which was recorded as a heat record for Ñuble and Biobío, exceeding 42 degrees Celsius in some locations. What can be done to help agricultural crops?
After analyzing various weather prediction models, the researcher and doctor in natural resources from INIA Quilamapu, Raúl Orrego, indicated that the highest temperatures expected for Friday (February 4) should be reached in the foothills and central valley of the Ñuble region, with the possibility of exceeding 40°C, approaching or even surpassing records in some areas.
Orrego said that these forecasts are based on models that always involve a certain amount of uncertainty, but that it is prudent to take precautions to reduce the effects of heat stroke. “This means maintaining very good hydration,” he emphasized, which should apply to both people and plants, since both require water to cope with dehydration associated with high temperatures. “Water is an excellent thermal regulator; we cool down through perspiration, but we need to replenish water to continue regulating temperature.”, he explained, while highlighting the importance of staying in the shade.
Ñuble and Biobío
Since records from INIA's meteorological station networks have existed (2009), INIA scientist Quilamapu detailed that the warmest day was recorded on January 26, 2017, reaching values above 40 °C. In fact, he indicated that during that day 40.9 °C were reached in Portezuelo, 40.2 in Yungay, 41.5 in Chillán, and 42.2 in Los Ángeles, while towards the coast it reached 34.1 °C in Tomé.
Orrego stressed that "What is interesting to note is that the same synoptic pattern of that day in January 2017 would be repeating itself this Friday (February 3)." The agroclimatology expert added that atmospheric pressure and the speed and direction of the winds (from the east) are having a very similar pattern between both dates, highlighting that the estimated pressure for Friday is 1,006 hectopascals (hPa) in the Chillán area, below the normal for the time, which fluctuates around 1,013 hPa. “This low pressure generates a displacement of air masses from the east, which causes a compression of the atmosphere and, consequently, an increase in temperature (…) fortunately, there should also be a breeze, which will help lower the thermal sensation, although it will increase the water requirement”, he explained.
Prevention actions
In view of the imminent heat wave and possible damage to both the fruit and the plant, the agricultural engineer stressed the need to water in advance, since water not only serves the plant for its growth, but also for cooling. Balbontín explained that if the plant does not have water during periods of intense heat, it closes its stomata (microscopic openings in the leaves), which causes an increase in temperature. “This will lead to internal burning of the plant and sunburn damage, which will have an impact on the plant, production and fruit.” He added that: "Plants suffer in the same way, since they use this part of the summer to gather reserves for the next season. What the producer has to do is water"He stressed, indicating the need for the plant to face the hottest moment with water. “As the highest temperature is reached in the afternoon, it should be watered in the morning, so that the plant has water and thus lowers the temperature and better overcomes stress,” ended.
