Weather Warning

Strong to very strong trade winds due to cold surge #9

January 22, 2025

10:20 a.m.

Diagnosis: The increase in atmospheric pressure in Central America and the Caribbean Sea is favoring the gradual increase of the trade wind over our country. This is a product of the influence of the cold surge #9, which will be entering through the north of Central America during this Wednesday. So far, maximum gusts of 80 km/h have been recorded in the Irazú Volcano, 75 km/h in the Cerros de Santa Ana and Cerro de la Muerte, between 50 - 63 km/h in low areas and near the mountains of the Central Valley and the North Pacific. The wind makes incursions with occasional humidity during the morning over the Caribbean and the North Zone, with occasional rains and recording accumulations in the last 6 hours less than 20 mm.

Forecast: Regarding the wind, the occurrence of strong gusts is forecast in the Central Valley and North Pacific, with occasional very strong gusts mainly in the North Pacific and over the mountains throughout the country. The wind will be accelerating from Wednesday onwards, with the strongest gusts being felt between Friday and Saturday (maximum gusts in the lower parts of 50 - 75 km/h, while, in the northern Pacific, over the country's hills and mountain ranges, maximums between 85 - 115 km/h would occur).

Regarding rain, a wet period is expected again for the Caribbean side and the Northern Zone, from Wednesday afternoon to Saturday (slightly lowered for Sunday). During this period, variable rainfall is likely to occur at different times of the day. Specifically for this Wednesday, cloudiness would increase in the afternoon and night with variable rainfall. The estimated amounts in 24 hours would be between 30 - 50 mm with punctual maximums of up to 75 mm.

The influence of cold pressure #9 will maintain the windy pattern over Costa Rica even during this weekend.

Warning: Pay special attention in the mountains and in the surrounding low areas, due to the presence of strong gusts.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• 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

Jose Valverde Mora

Meteorologist

DMSA/IMN