Weather Warning

Strong winds in the north of the country and rains in the Caribbean slope this weekend

March 22, 2025

9:30 a.m.

Diagnosis: Currently, the passage of cold surge #17 over the northern Caribbean Sea and northwest Atlantic Ocean is causing high levels of atmospheric pressure in the region. This has resulted in strong wind gusts, especially in the north of the country, the Central Valley, and the mountains. In Guanacaste, wind gusts have reached between 60 and 90 km/h, with the highest in La Cruz. In other areas, such as the Central Valley and mountains, gusts have been recorded between 35 and 64 km/h, with the highest values around Heredia, Ciudad Colón, and the Irazú Volcano. Light drizzle and light rain have also been observed in parts of the North Zone, the Caribbean, and their borders with the Central Valley and the North Pacific. Accumulations are less than 10 mm in the last 6 hours.

Forecast: On Saturday, the windy pattern will continue in the center, north, and mountains of the country. Maximum gusts are expected to reach between 30 and 65 km/h in the Central Valley and lower parts of Guanacaste, and between 60 and 95 km/h in northern Guanacaste and mountainous sectors.

In the morning, cloudy conditions will persist with drizzle and light rain in the North Zone and the Caribbean, with the possibility of extending to the Central Valley and North Pacific mountains. In the afternoon, the likelihood of rain will remain, especially in the west of the Caribbean and the mountains of the North Zone. From Saturday night into early Sunday morning, the cloudy pattern with drizzle and light to moderate rain will continue in the North Zone and the Caribbean, with the possibility of extending to the Central Valley and North Pacific mountains. Maximum accumulations of 5-35 mm over 6-hour periods are expected in these regions.

The influence of cold front #17 will maintain windy conditions over Guanacaste and the Central Valley throughout this weekend.

Warning: Pay special attention in the Caribbean and North Zone due to recurrent precipitation events throughout the weekend.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:
• Caution due to possible sewer saturation in areas prone to such floods, as well as increased river and stream flow.
• Prevention due to wind gusts and their potential impact on roofs, electrical wiring, signs, trees, as well as in the mountainous regions of the country and Guanacaste (national parks, volcanoes).
• Caution in air navigation due to increased turbulence, as well as in maritime navigation due to rough seas, especially in the North Pacific, Nicoya Gulf, and northern Central Pacific.
• Avoid any type of burning, as it may get out of control.
• Stay informed through social media, Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR, and the website: www.imn.ac.cr

Paulo J. Solano S., Meteorologist – DMSA/IMN