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The Presidential Delegation of the Metropolitan Region (RM) has declared the second environmental pre-emergency of the year for the capital this Saturday, May 30. The measure was adopted following a recommendation from the Regional Ministerial Secretariat (Seremi) for the Environment to protect public health in light of poor ventilation conditions within the Santiago basin.
The decision was based on data from Friday, May 29, when the Cerro Navia monitoring station reached environmental alert levels for coarse particulate matter (PM10) at 5:00 p.m. and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at 8:00 p.m. According to data compiled by CNN Chile, the region has recorded seven environmental alerts for PM2.5 and three for PM10 so far this year, in addition to this second pre-emergency.
The Meteorological Directorate of Chile has forecasted cyclonic surface circulation and an upper-level ridge for Saturday, with temperatures ranging between 5°C and 25°C. These meteorological conditions, combined with a lack of air circulation into the basin, prevent the dispersion of pollutants, keeping the Atmospheric Pollution Meteorological Potential (PMCA) at moderate to high levels.
Authorities have imposed a strict ban on the use of wood-burning heaters and wood-derived fuels throughout the Metropolitan Region, including pellets. Enforcement will be carried out by the Seremi of Health, in coordination with local municipalities and the Carabineros police force. Meanwhile, the ban on agricultural burning, which has been in effect since March 1, will be monitored by the SAG and Conaf through October 31.
Regarding transportation, vehicle restrictions have been intensified. Cars without a 'green seal' (catalytic converter) are prohibited from circulating within the Américo Vespucio ring road. Outside this perimeter, in the provinces of Santiago, San Bernardo, and Puente Alto, the restriction applies to license plates ending in 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, and 1 between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Vehicles with a green seal are not restricted this Saturday.
Cargo transport is also facing specific limitations. According to the official statement cited by BioBioChile, cargo vehicles with a green seal are subject to a two-digit restriction, affecting license plates ending in 6 and 7. Additionally, private, intercity, and rural transport buses with plates ending in 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, and 1 are prohibited from circulating in the provinces of Santiago, San Bernardo, and Puente Alto between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Regional authorities have urged the public to take precautions regarding their health when engaging in physical activities during this critical period. The measure aims to mitigate the accumulation of pollutants on a day when no ventilation from outside the basin is expected.
