Weather Warning

Cold surge #3 enters northern Central America

November 30, 2024

11.05 a.m.

Discussion: The incursion of cold surge #3 into northern Central America and the Caribbean Sea has generated a gradual increase in atmospheric pressure in the region and with it a progressive increase in the intensity of the winds in the Central Valley, North Pacific and the mountain ranges is experienced, with speeds between 40-60 km/h and maximums of 73 km/h in northern Guanacaste. The winds project humidity from the Caribbean towards the province of Limón and the North Zone, favoring rains from early hours of the day in these sectors and to a lesser extent they are projected to the Central Valley, with accumulations between 5-25 mm in the last 6 hours.

Forecast: Rainy conditions of varying intensity are expected throughout today in the North and Caribbean, with amounts between 30-60 mm in periods of 6-12 hours. Part of the cloudiness will occasionally extend to the Central Valley - especially in the North and East - as well as to the North of Guanacaste, causing light rain and drizzle; accumulated between 5-15 mm in periods of 6-12 hours. Meanwhile, in the South Pacific and coasts of the Central Pacific, scattered showers are possible during the afternoon, amounts between 10-35 mm in periods of 6-12 hours.

Regarding winds, an increase in the frequency of gusts is expected in the North Pacific, Central Valley and the mountain ranges, with speeds between 30-65 km/h in low areas and in higher areas ranges between 70-90 km/h.

The influence of cold surge #3 will continue into next week. A progressive increase in rainfall is expected in the Caribbean region and the North Zone from this Sunday to Wednesday; as well as in the intensity of the winds in the North and Center of the national territory.

Warning: Special attention should be paid to mountainous areas of the Caribbean, Northern Zone and South Pacific because the basins have saturation levels between 85% and 95%. Consequently, they are highly vulnerable to the occurrence of incidents.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding, as well as due to the increase in flow in rivers and streams.
• Prevention due to gusts of wind and their possible affectation of 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

Rebeca Morera R./Meteorologist/DMSA-IMN