Weather Warning

Displacement of easterly wave no.°12

June 25, 2024

9:00 a.m.

Diagnosis: Easterly wave #12 (OT 12) is currently at 81°W, near the border between Costa Rica and Panama. This system will continue to move westward, entering the national territory on Tuesday. OT 12, together with other factors such as daytime warming, the entry of sea breezes and the current position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), maintains atmospheric instability in the region.

Forecast: In the afternoon and early evening, showers are expected with a moderate-high probability of thunderstorms in the North Pacific, South Pacific, Northern Zone and Central Valley. Precipitation is expected to begin in mountainous areas and spread to low areas such as plains and coasts. Accumulations between 20 mm and 60 mm are expected, with maximums located between 60 mm and 80 mm.

In the mountains of the Central Pacific and mountains to the west of the Caribbean, showers are expected that could spread to surrounding plains at the end of the afternoon and during the night. The probability of thunderstorms in these areas is moderate. Accumulations between 20 mm and 40 mm are expected, with maximums located between 60 mm and 70 mm.

Warning: The rains that may occur in urban areas can cause flash flooding and sewer saturation due to the high saturation of the soils. Saturated soils are present in the mountains of the South Pacific, low areas near the coasts of the Central Pacific and South Pacific, the mountains of the Northern Zone bordering the Central Valley, as well as both peninsulas. All regions are vulnerable to landslides and possible flooding.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding.
• Prevention against thunderstorms and seek shelter in a safe place if strong gusts of wind occur or are perceived near 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 social networks, Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR and the WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr

Paulo Solano
Meteorologist
DMSA-IMN