Weather Warning

Cold surge #8 maintains influence this Wednesday

January 8, 2025

09.25 a.m.

Discussion: On this Wednesday, the effects of cold surge #8 (EF#8) continue over the country, the cutting line associated with this system has reached Costa Rica. This favors windy conditions 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. In addition, cloudiness and rain are present from early hours in the Caribbean regions and the Northern Zone, generating accumulations between 5-30 mm in the last 3 hours. Due to the drag of the wind, cloudiness and rain occasionally extend to the Central Valley and mountainous areas, amounts less than 10 mm in the last 3 hours.

Forecast: On this day, winds with moderate to strong intensities will predominate. Ranges between 30-60 km/h are estimated for the Central Valley and lower parts of the North Pacific; in the north of Guanacaste and the mountain ranges, speeds between 60-90 km/h are expected.

Throughout Wednesday, rains of varying 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 layer of clouds and rains will occasionally be projected to the Central Valley and mountainous parts, with amounts between 5-20 mm. In the South Pacific and mountains of the Central Pacific, isolated showers are possible during the afternoon period, estimated accumulations between 10-30 mm.

The influence of cold surge #8 will persist until Thursday, diminishing its effects noticeably from Friday onwards.

Warning: High levels of soil saturation (80-95%) remain in the North Zone and Northern 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 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 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

Rebeca Morera R.
Meteorologist
DMSA/IMN