Weather Warning

Cold Surge #6 over the country this thursday to weekend

December 19, 2024

09:15 a.m.

Diagnosis: This Thursday morning, cold pressure #6 is located in the Gulf of Honduras. The trade winds have increased in intensity and consequently the rainfall in the Caribbean and Northern Zone. The maximum winds so far have been recorded in Bagaces with 80 km/h, while the rainfall in the Caribbean has accumulated 27 mm at this time.

Forecast: It is expected that the cold pressure will reach our country fully in the afternoon/night of today Thursday and its influence will continue at least until next Monday. Therefore, the gusts in the North Pacific, Central Valley and the mountain ranges will be strong. They are estimated between 40-85 km/h towards lower parts of the North Pacific and Central Valley, ranges between 80-100 km/h in the mountains of the country and in the north of Guanacaste. In addition, due to the drag of the strong wind, the development of cloudiness and heavy rains will continue reaching the province of Limón and the Northern Zone throughout the day and night. Estimated amounts vary between 50-100 mm in periods of 12 to 24 hours, higher amounts are likely in a localized manner.

The cloud layer may move towards the mountains of northern Guanacaste, Talamanca and the Central Valley, producing intermittent rains with variable amounts and a drop in daytime temperatures during the period of impact of this push, especially on weekends.

Warning: Special attention should be paid to mountainous areas of the Northern Zone, the Caribbean and surrounding lowlands, because the basins have saturation levels between 70% and 95%.

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 impact on 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 meteorologist DMSA-IMN

Gabriela Chinchilla R

Meteorologist 

DMSA-IMN