The phenomenon is explained by the presence of a cyclonic circulation at the surface, together with a ridge at altitude in the central zone, which will bring easterly winds, favoring a sustained increase in maximum temperatures.

According to the DMC, this event will last from Tuesday, December 30, 2025, to Saturday, January 3, 2026, a critical period for several fruit crops, including blueberries, due to their sensitivity to heat stress.

The sectors are detailed below:

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

High temperatures will also affect Peru

Chile will not be the only country impacted by high temperatures. Peru, the world’s leading exporter of blueberries, will also face a summer that is as hot as or even hotter than last season, according to Peru’s National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi).

The forecast predicts sustained and intense heat, with temperatures in various regions exceeding 30°C, not only in Lima but also in inland areas of the country.

Senamhi explained that the first days of summer will be unusual due to the influence of the South Pacific High, which will cause temperatures to rise gradually.

Temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 30°C during February and March, especially in areas far from the coast, such as La Molina, San Juan de Lurigancho, and Ate. In these areas, minimum temperatures will be around 19.2°C, while maximum temperatures could reach around 29.2°C, with occasional episodes of greater intensity.

Snowstorms hit Georgia and Turkey

n contrast to South America, extreme winter conditions are being recorded in the northern hemisphere. Snowfall began this week in Georgia, directly affecting blueberry orchards.

According to local media, winter in Georgia—which lasts from December to February—is characterized by cold temperatures, occasional snowfall, and lower solar radiation. During the day, average temperatures range between 43°F and 49°F, while at night they often drop below freezing. Snow is common in mountainous areas, while low-lying and coastal areas experience sporadic snowfall or rain.

In Turkey, winter also began with a bang. This week saw two days of heavy snowfall. According to the Turkish State Meteorological Service, the lowest temperature was recorded in the Karacoban district of Erzurum province, where thermometers dropped to –30.3 °C.

The cold spread to other areas of Eastern Anatolia. In the village of Bezirhane, in the district of Caldiran (province of Van), temperatures reached close to –28 °C, posing significant risks to fruit crops.

CASM recommendations for extreme weather scenarios

In light of these events of high temperatures in South America and extreme cold in the northern hemisphere, Consultora Agrícola y Comercial Santa María (CASM Blueberries) recommends that producers work closely with their technical advisors to implement timely measures to reduce the impact of climate change on blueberry orchards.

The experts at CASM Blueberries emphasize that proactive and informed management is key to protecting fruit quality, maintaining productivity, and reducing economic losses in an increasingly challenging climate scenario.