Weather Warning

Wet and unstable conditions with high probability of heavy and localized thundershowers

August 22, 2024

09:10 a.m.

Diagnosis: The presence of instability in the upper levels of the regional atmosphere, together with seasonal factors typical of the rainy season in the Pacific, such as the Intertropical Convergence Zone, will manifest during this Thursday. Since early in the morning, there have been scattered showers and downpours with short-duration thunderstorms in the Northern Zone and parts of the Caribbean, with accumulations in the last 6 hours between 5 - 35 mm.

Forecast: For the rest of the morning and towards noon, the pattern of increasing scattered cloudiness will occur in the Caribbean regions and parts of the Northern Zone. Occasional showers and downpours are expected, with accumulations between 20 - 40 mm with punctual maximums of 70 mm (especially towards the mountains of the west and in the early hours of the afternoon).

In the afternoon, punctual events of heavy precipitation are expected, which are anticipated in the South Pacific, coasts of the Central Pacific. The estimated amounts would be between 30 - 50 mm with maximums of 70 - 100 mm in a very localized manner, this in periods of 12-24 hours. The Central Valley will have scattered showers with possible thunderstorms in the mid-afternoon and rains towards the end of the afternoon and early evening, with amounts between 15 - 40 mm with maximums of up to 65 mm.

In the case of the North Pacific, it would be the Nicoya Peninsula that will present isolated showers with thunderstorms, where the estimated accumulations would be 20 - 40 mm and maximums of 60 mm in periods of 24 hours. The mountains of the Northern Zone will have these same characteristics in the rains and on the mountains, with accumulations similar to the North Pacific.

The rains can extend to the early hours of the night in certain parts of the country and especially towards the Pacific coasts.

Warning: The maritime areas surrounding the Pacific continue to experience strong storms at different periods (night, dawn and morning), with the possibility of adverse conditions. High soil saturation remains in the Northern Zone and the Osa Peninsula, increasing vulnerability in these areas.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding.

• Prevention against electrical storms and seek shelter in a safe place in case of strong gusts of wind near storm clouds, due to the possible fall of tree branches, power lines, among others. These gusts can reach 80 km/h in some isolated cases.

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

Jose Valverde Mora

Meteorologist

DMSA-IMN

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