Weather Warning

The influence of cold surge #5 is diminishing this afternoon

December 14, 2024

11.30 am

Diagnosis: Cold surge #5 begins to emerge from the Caribbean Sea this Saturday afternoon. In these early hours of the day, the strongest gusts have been recorded at Cerro Buenavista and Volcán Irazú, 90 km/h; at Cerro Cedral (Escazú) 83 km/h and Cerro Chitaría (Santa Ana) 73 km/h, Heredia, Cartago and Alajuela with maximums of 55 km/h.

The low humidity content favors clear skies in 90% of the national territory, and also caused a colder dawn in several parts of the country. Some of the lowest temperatures in urban areas were: La Unión de Cartago 8.6°C, Rancho Redondo de Goicoechea 11.6°C, Coronado 12°C, Ochomogo 13°C, Turrialba 15.9°C, among others.

Forecast: Strong wind gusts will continue to be experienced in the early afternoon, with speeds between 30 km/h and 60 km/h estimated in the Central Valley and the North Pacific, while in the mountainous areas and northern Guanacaste, values ​​between 70 km/h and 95 km/h are expected. However, by late afternoon, the gusts will be lower and will remain moderate.

About precipitation, few of it is expected. Some occasional drizzle in the north of the Northern Zone in the afternoon. In the rest of the country, there is a low possibility of rain, if it occurs, it will be limited to the higher areas.

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

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• 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

Gabriela Chinchilla R
Meteorologist/DMSA-IMN