The Presidential Delegation of the Metropolitan Region has declared the first environmental alert of 2026, effective this Sunday, May 10. The measure aims to protect public health in response to unfavorable atmospheric conditions projected for the Santiago basin.
The decision follows a recommendation from the Regional Ministerial Secretariat (Seremi) of the Environment for the Metropolitan Region, intended to safeguard residents against worsening ventilation.
According to the official statement, the alert is a response to the "current concentration levels and the atmospheric conditions forecast for the early hours of this Sunday in the Santiago basin."
While air quality monitoring stations from the Ministry of the Environment reported good air quality levels on Saturday, ventilation is expected to deteriorate in the coming hours. The Chilean Meteorological Directorate predicts cyclonic circulation at the surface and the approach of an upper-level ridge for Sunday.
These meteorological conditions will prevent coastal advection from reaching the basin. Temperatures for Sunday are expected to range between 6°C and 27°C.
The alert includes a total ban on the use of wood-burning heaters and wood-derived heating systems throughout the region, with the sole exception of pellet-based systems. Enforcement will be carried out by teams from the Regional Ministry of Health, local municipalities, and the Carabineros (police) at multiple locations across the capital.
Additionally, the ban on agricultural burning remains in effect, a regulation that applies from March 1 to October 31. Meanwhile, La Tercera reported that, as it is a weekend, vehicle restrictions do not apply in the capital.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid intense outdoor physical activity, particularly during peak pollution hours. Citizens are advised to assess their personal health conditions before leaving their homes.
