Weather Warning

Trade winds and increased moisture content to the south of the region

April 21, 2025

09:40 a.m.

Diagnosis: The increase in atmospheric pressure in the northern Caribbean Sea, maintains accelerated trade winds in the center of the basin, this coupled with high humidity values in the region, favors the entry of cloudiness and instability that results in variable rains for southern sectors of the Northern Caribbean and the Northern Zone, as well as most of the Southern Caribbean. Accumulated rainfall in 12 hours will be between 10 - 35 mm with maximums located between 40 - 60 mm (Cahuita, Matina, Puerto Viejo).

Forecast: Variable showers are forecast to persist during the morning for sectors of the south central and western Caribbean, later in the afternoon, showers and scattered showers are expected again, being more evident in sectors of the South Caribbean. The accumulated in 12 hours would be between 20 - 40 mm with local maximums of up to 70 mm.
In the case of the Central Pacific and South Pacific, scattered showers with possible thunderstorms in the mountains are expected for the afternoon period, moving to lower elevations near the coasts. The estimated accumulated between 15 - 45 mm with punctual maximums between 60 - 85 mm.
The Central Valley will present show showers in eastern sectors and over mountain passes in the morning, with showers and localized rain in the afternoon in western sectors.

The trade wind will present occasional gusts in mountainous areas between 50 - 80 km/h, mainly in the Guanacaste mountain range.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

- Caution due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding, as well as increased flow in rivers and streams.
- Prevention before thunderstorms and seek shelter in a safe place in case of strong gusts of wind near the storm clouds, due to the possible fall of tree branches, power lines, among others. These gusts can reach 80 km/h in some isolated cases.
- Stay informed through the social networks: Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR and the website www.imn.ac.cr

Jose Valverde Mora

Meteorologist

DMSA/IMN