Weather Warning

Strong to very strong wind gusts this Friday

February 21, 2025

9:00 a.m.

Diagnosis: The frontal system associated with cold pressure No. 11 is located north of the Caribbean Sea basin and extends towards the northwest of the Atlantic Ocean. Accompanied by this, high levels of atmospheric pressure are present, which favor windy conditions towards the center and north of the country. The maximum gusts recorded are between 60 km/h and 97 km/h for the mountains and the north of Guanacaste. The low sectors of the Central Valley and North Pacific maintain ranges between 35 km/h and 60 km/h.

Rain and drizzle have been recorded in sectors of the Caribbean, the Northern Zone, the east of the Central Valley and the mountains of the Central Pacific. The maximum accumulations in the last 3 hours are between 1 mm and 8 mm, with a maximum of 13.2 mm in Upala.

Forecast: The increase in atmospheric pressure favors the occurrence of strong to very strong gusts towards the mountains, in the center and in the north of the national territory. In low areas of the Central Valley and North Pacific, gusts between 35 km/h and 65 km/h are expected, while in the north of Guanacaste and the mountains, gusts between 65 km/h and 100 km/h are expected. Current analyses indicate that this windy pattern will continue until Saturday, with a tendency to decrease during Sunday.

During the afternoon of this Friday, the development of localized showers is possible in the mountains of the Central Pacific and the South Pacific, with maximum accumulations of 40 mm. In the Caribbean, the Northern Zone, the east of the Central Valley and mountains to the northeast of the North Pacific, the occurrence of drizzle and isolated rains is possible, which may continue into the night period. Significant amounts of rain are not expected.

Warning: Special attention is recommended in the mountains and surrounding low areas due to the presence of strong to very strong gusts.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Prevention due to wind gusts 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 website www.imn.ac.cr

Paulo J. Solano S.
Meteorologist
DMSA/IMN