How does the climate of the Chaco Boreal differ from eastern Paraguay?

The climate of Paraguay is divided by its geography, with distinct differences between the Eastern Region and the Chaco Boreal.

Climate Classification

The Eastern Region, which lies mostly south of the Tropic of Capricorn, features a subtropical climate. In contrast, the Chaco Boreal, located to the north, is characterized by a tropical climate.12

Rainfall and Precipitation

A primary difference between the two regions is the amount of annual rainfall:
* Eastern Region: Receives significantly higher precipitation, ranging from approximately 65 inches (1,650 mm) in the southeast to about 55 inches (1,400 mm) near the Paraguay River.1
* Chaco Boreal: Rainfall diminishes as one moves westward across the region, averaging about 30 inches (760 mm).1

Temperature and Conditions

While both regions experience seasonal temperature fluctuations and are subject to cold southern winds in the winter, the Eastern Region is notable for frequent frost. The Chaco Boreal is part of a broader, largely arid lowland known as the Gran Chaco, where high evaporation rates can lead to water scarcity, a major impediment to development in that area.134