Weather Warning (Update)

Intertropical Convergence Zone active due to indirect influence of Hurricane Beryl

July 3, 2024

05.00 p.m.

Discussion: The positioning and reactivation of the Intertropical Convergence Zone over Costa Rica is due to the indirect influence exerted by Hurricane Beryl as it moves northwest of the Caribbean Sea basin. Beryl remains a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 220 km/h, located 100 km west-southwest of Kingston Jamaica, moving west-northeast at a speed of 31 km/h.

This afternoon, very heavy rains and thunderstorms have occurred in the Northern Zone, Northern Pacific, Central Valley and mountains of the Caribbean. The highest accumulations are recorded at the stations: Pococí and Santa Clara de San Carlos 135 mm, Sarapiquí 76 mm, Liberia and Bagaces 63 mm, Coronado 74 mm, Goicoechea 50 mm, among others.

Forecast: During the rest of the afternoon and during the night of Wednesday in the Pacific and Central Valley, rains of varying intensity and isolated showers with thunderstorms will continue, estimated amounts of 30 - 50 mm with maximums between 70 - 100 mm in periods of 12 hours. The most significant precipitations are expected at the end of the afternoon and at night. Probability of fog and fog banks in the Central Valley and mountainous areas of the Pacific from this afternoon until Thursday morning.

In the mountainous Caribbean regions and the North Zone, heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue until early evening, then as the night period progresses, rains of varying intensity will continue, and these precipitations may also extend to a lesser extent to the coasts of Limón. Accumulated amounts are estimated between 10 - 60 mm with maximum amounts of 90 mm in 12-hour periods.

The probability of rain is estimated near the Pacific coasts during the early morning and first hours of Thursday.

Warning: The rains that may occur in urban areas may cause flash flooding and sewer saturation due to the high saturation of the soils. Saturated soils are present in the mountains of the South Pacific, low areas near the coasts of the Central Pacific and South Pacific, the mountains to the west and south of the Northern Zone, as well as both peninsulas. All regions are vulnerable to landslides and possible flooding.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Be careful 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

Rebeca Morera R
Meteorologist
DMSA-IMN