The Metropolitan Regional Presidential Delegation, acting on the recommendation of the Regional Ministerial Secretariat (Seremi) for the Environment, has declared an Environmental Alert for Friday, May 29, citing poor ventilation conditions in the capital's basin. This measure follows a week of intensive enforcement under the Environmental Episodic Management Plan, which aims to curb air pollution levels.
As reported by BioBioChile, the Chilean Meteorological Directorate forecasts cyclonic surface circulation and an incoming high-altitude ridge for Friday, with temperatures expected to range between 4°C and 23°C. While monitoring stations recorded 'Fair' to 'Good' air quality levels throughout Thursday, the persistence of a weakened anticyclonic system forced authorities to extend the restrictive measures.
Transportation and Heating Restrictions
The Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications is maintaining strict oversight of vehicle traffic via automated cameras. According to El Mostrador, fines for violating vehicle restrictions range from 1 to 1.5 UTM, equivalent to between $70,588 and $105,882 in May 2026 currency.
For this Friday, vehicle restrictions dictate that cars with a 'Green Seal' (Sello Verde) ending in 6 or 7 are prohibited from circulating within the Province of Santiago, as well as in San Bernardo and Puente Alto. For vehicles without a Green Seal, the ban is absolute within the Américo Vespucio ring road, while outside of it, the restriction applies to license plates ending in 2, 3, 4, and 5, BioBioChile reported.
Authorities have emphasized a total ban on the use of wood-burning heaters and wood-derived fuel throughout the Metropolitan Region, with the exception of pellet stoves. Compliance will be monitored by the Health Secretariat, the Carabineros police force, and local municipalities. Additionally, the ban on agricultural burning remains in effect until October 31, under the supervision of the SAG and Conaf.
The Ministry of Transport reminded the public that vehicle restrictions will remain in effect Monday through Friday until August 31. Exemptions are granted to emergency vehicles, healthcare vehicles, school transport vans, and electric or hybrid cars with up-to-date registration.
