Weather Warning (Update)

Cold surge #8 maintains influence this Wednesday

January 8, 2025

5:10 p.m.

Diagnosis: This Wednesday, the effects of cold pressure #8 (EF#8) continue over the country, the cutting line associated with this system has reached Costa Rica.

This favors occasional gusts in the north and center of the national territory, the maximum gusts have reached 88 km/h in the north of Guanacaste and in the Central Valley ranges between 40 km/h and 70 km/h. The influence of this system maintains a rainy pattern in the Caribbean and Northern Zone, the persistent cloudiness in these regions has reached the Central Valley.

Since 7:00 a.m., accumulated precipitation between 30-60 mm is recorded for the Caribbean and Northern Zone, with a maximum of 90 mm in Sarapiquí. In the Central Valley, the accumulated precipitation is between 5-20 mm. In the Pacific, below 10 mm, with a maximum of 40 mm in Cañas.

Forecast: Occasional gusts will continue with ranges between 30-60 km/h for the Central Valley and lower parts of the North Pacific; in the north of Guanacaste and the mountain ranges, between 60-90 km/h.

The rest of this Wednesday and towards the dawn of Thursday, rains of variable intensity are expected in regions of the Caribbean and the North Zone, amounts between 30-60 mm in periods of 6 hours, possible higher accumulations in a localized manner. The rains will continue in the Central Valley and mountainous parts of the country, with amounts between 5-20 mm.

The influence of cold push #8 will continue this coming Thursday. On Friday, the country will be completely out of the influence of this system.

Warning: High levels of soil saturation (80-95%) remain in the North Zone and North Caribbean, a situation that generates high vulnerability to the risk of hydrometeorological incidents.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to saturation of sewers in places prone to this type of flooding, as well as due to the increase in flow in rivers and streams.
• Prevention due to gusts of wind and their possible damage to 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 any kind, as they can get out of control.
• Stay informed through social networks, Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR and the WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr

Paulo J. Solano S.
Meteorologist
DMSA/IMN