Introduction
Peru is bracing for a cold snap during the upcoming winter season, which begins on June 20. This weather event poses risks not only to the health of Peruvians in various regions but also to several productive activities that sustain the country’s economy.
Risk Assessment
According to risk maps compiled by the Peruvian government for June-August 2025, approximately 11.7 million people are at moderate to high risk of being affected by sub-normal temperatures. In Lima, temperatures could drop to as low as 9 degrees Celsius, while interior regions might experience temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius.
Agricultural Impact
The National Center for Estimation, Prevention, and Reduction of Disaster Risk (Cenepred) has identified 469,676 hectares of agricultural land at risk due to low temperatures in nine central and southern regions over the next three months.
High-Risk Areas
Cenepred has pinpointed 172,964.9 hectares of agricultural cultivations at high risk, primarily located in Ica (103,644.7 hectares), followed by Tacna, Arequipa, and to a lesser extent, Ayacucho, Lima, and Moquegua.
Moderate-Risk Areas
Approximately 296,711.8 hectares are at moderate risk, with the majority situated in Lima (134,512 hectares), followed by Ancash, Ica, Tacna, Arequipa, and to a lesser extent, Ayacucho, Huancavelica, and Moquegua.
Potential Consequences
Cenepred warns that the likelihood of sub-normal temperatures deviating from their normal pattern could result in decreased nocturnal temperatures, potentially harming certain crops and livestock.
Agricultural Impact in Context
Peru’s cold snap primarily affects sierra crops, such as potatoes, corn, and quinoa. These temperature fluctuations can lead to economic losses and compromise food security for millions of Peruvians.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the cold snap’s potential impact on Peru? The cold snap poses risks to both the health of Peruvians and various productive activities that sustain the country’s economy, particularly agriculture.
- Which regions and crops are most affected? The central and southern regions, including Ica, Tacna, Arequipa, Lima, and Ayacucho, are at high risk. Crops like potatoes, corn, and quinoa, primarily grown in the sierra, are vulnerable to temperature fluctuations.
- What are the potential consequences for agriculture? The cold snap could lead to decreased nocturnal temperatures, potentially harming certain crops and livestock. This may result in economic losses and compromise food security for millions of Peruvians.
