Weather Warning

Influence of Cold Surge #19 this weekend and beginning of the week

April 12, 2025

10:05 a.m.

Diagnosis: The increase in atmospheric pressure from the southern United States toward the Gulf of America is a consequence of the passage of cold surge #19 toward the central Caribbean Sea basin. This is favoring increased winds (from the north and east) for our country, with occasional maximum gusts between 40 and 55 km/h (25–34 mph) for the Central Valley and between 60 and 80 km/h (localized maximum of 87 km/h - La Cruz, Guanacaste). Meanwhile, the Caribbean and Northern regions are mostly cloudy, with scattered and occasional light drizzle and rain (accumulations under 15 mm).

Forecast: The influence of the cold surge on the country will influence weather conditions, mainly from today, Saturday, through early next week.

Regarding winds, the strongest gusts are forecast for this Saturday and Sunday, reaching 85 to 95 km/h in the North Pacific, and between 40 and 70 km/h in the Central Valley, in the country's mountains and volcanoes. Regarding precipitation this Saturday, cloudy conditions are forecast in the Caribbean and the Northern Zone, with variable rain in low-lying areas of the South Caribbean and rain and drizzle in most mountainous areas of that slope. Accumulated rainfall over the past 12 hours is expected to range between 15 and 45 mm. Drizzle is expected in eastern areas and over mountain passes in the Central Valley. 

Regarding the Pacific, localized showers with thunderstorms are expected in the Central Pacific mountains, along the country's southern border, and around the Golfo Dulce during the afternoon and early evening. Accumulated rainfall over the next 12 hours is forecast to range between 25 and 50 mm, with localized highs of up to 70 mm. 

Warning: Particular attention should be paid to the mountains and low-lying areas of Guanacaste and the Central Valley due to the presence of strong gusts. High soil saturation levels remain in parts of the mountains in the Northern Zone and the Caribbean, as well as in most of the mountains in the South Pacific and around the Golfo Dulce.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Avoid wind gusts and their potential impact on roofs, electrical wiring, signs, and trees, as well as in the mountainous areas of the country and Guanacaste (national parks, volcanoes).

• Caution should be exercised 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 burning of all types, as they can get out of control.

• Caution due to sewer saturation in areas prone to this type of flooding, as well as increased flow in rivers and streams.

• Stay informed through social media: Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR, and the website www.imn.ac.cr

Jose Valverde Mora

Meteorologist

DMSA/IMN