Weather Warning

The influence of cold surge #5 continues today

December 13, 2024

10.20 a.m.

Discussion: The transit of cold surge #5 over the north of the region favors the increase in atmospheric pressure in the Caribbean Sea basin and in turn the persistence of accelerated winds in Costa Rica.

In these first hours of the day, the strongest gusts have been recorded at Cerro Buenavista 105 km/h, Irazú Volcano, 103 km/h; in La Cruz de Guanacaste, Guayabo de Bagaces and Cerro Chitaría 71 km/h, Heredia and Alajuela with maximums of 62 km/h.

Cloudiness and rain are present in the North Zone, Caribbean regions and extend to a lesser extent towards the province of Cartago and mountainous sectors of the Central Valley, with accumulations between 5-15 mm in the last 4 hours.

Forecast: Strong gusts of wind will continue to be experienced throughout the day. Speeds between 30 km/h and 60 km/h are expected in the Central Valley and the North Pacific, while in the mountainous areas and northern Guanacaste, values between 70 km/h and 100 km/h are expected.

Regarding precipitation: light to moderate rain is expected in the North Zone, the Caribbean and the eastern sector of the Central Valley (Cartago province), especially during the morning and night, with accumulated amounts between 25 mm and 50 mm, with higher amounts possible in a localized manner. In the rest of the country, there is a low possibility of rain, if it occurs, it will be limited to the higher areas.
It is anticipated that the influence of cold surge  #5 will begin to gradually decrease during the course of Saturday.

Warning: Pay special attention to mountainous areas of the North Caribbean, the North Zone and surrounding low areas, since the basins have saturation levels between 85% and 95%.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to sewer saturation 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

Rebeca Morera R
Meteorologist/DMSA-IMN