Weather Warning (Update)

Influence of Cold Surge #2 this Friday and weekend

November 22, 2024

Discussion: Cold surge #2 is advancing over Central America and the Caribbean Sea, which has caused a gradual increase in the speed of the North winds since this morning and in turn the incursion of humidity from the Caribbean Sea into the national territory.

This afternoon, rains of varying intensity and persistence have occurred in regions of the Caribbean and the North Zone, with amounts between 10 mm and up to 60 mm in the last 3 hours. The cloud cover has extended to a large part of the national territory, generating rains in the Central Valley and Pacific with ranges between 5-45 mm in 3-hour periods.

An increase in the frequency of gusts has been noted, however, there have been no changes in the maximum speeds this morning; these values have reached between 40 km/h and 65 km/h in sectors of the North Pacific, Central Valley and the mountain ranges.

Forecast: Moderate to strong winds will continue through Friday night and throughout the weekend, with gusts estimated to range between 40-75 km/h in the Central Valley and lower parts of the North Pacific; while in northern Guanacaste and the mountain ranges in general, gusts between 70-95 km/h are expected.

Rain/showers are expected in the Caribbean and the Northern Zone during the weekend, with greater recurrence during the remainder of Friday and Saturday, with accumulations of between 10-40 mm in 6-hour periods, higher amounts are possible in a localized manner that could reach 60 mm in 6 hours. Part of the cloud cover may extend to the North and East of the Central Valley causing light drizzle. No significant precipitation is expected for the rest of the country.

The cold mass of this system is gradually spreading towards our latitudes, causing a cool thermal sensation and a decrease in temperatures of around 2 °C and 4 °C, especially towards the center and north of the country, which will be more evident during Saturday.

Warning: Special attention due to strong wind gusts in the North Pacific and in the Central Valley, as well as in the Talamanca mountain range.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Prevention due to wind gusts and their possible affectation of roofs, electrical wiring, signs, trees; as well as in the mountainous parts of the country and Guanacaste (national parks, volcanoes).
• Caution in air navigation due to increased turbulence, as well as in maritime navigation due to increased rough seas, especially in the North Pacific, Gulf of Nicoya and northern Central Pacific.
• Avoid fires of all kinds, since they can get out of control.
• Stay informed through social media: Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR and the WEBSITE: www.imn.ac.cr

Rebeca Morera R
Meteorologist
DMSA-IMN

---