Informe Meteorológico N°4

Patrón lluvioso en la Zona Norte y el Caribe este miércoles

4 de diciembre de 2024

10:00 a.m.

Diagnosis: The effects of cold surge #3 will continue this Wednesday. The high pressure system that accompanies this surge increases the intensity of the trade winds in Central America and part of the Caribbean basin, dragging humidity towards the region and generating precipitation in Costa Rica.

The maximum wind gusts recorded in the country are: 103 km/h in Guayabo-Bagaces, 102 km/h Cerro Chitaria, 98 km/h in La Cruz-Guanacaste, 91 km/h in Cerro Buenavista, 87 km/h in Orosi Volcano, 84 km/h Poás Volcano, 85 km/h in Irazú Volcano and lower parts of the Central Valley and North Pacific with ranges between 35 – 70 km/h.

In the last 6-12 hours, rainfall amounts were recorded in the North Zone and North Caribbean between 90 – 144 mm in Pococí, Siquirres and Barra del Colorado; between 50 - 165 mm in San Carlos, Ciudad Quesada and Sarapiquí, and between 20 - 50 mm in Turrialba and Juan Viñas. According to the National Emergency Commission, reports of incidents continue in the North Caribbean and the east of the Northern Zone (Sarapiquí River and San Carlos River swollen, and the Reventazón River overflowing).

Forecast: In the Caribbean and Northern Zone, a gradual decrease in the intensity and occurrence of rainfall is expected in the afternoon and evening of this Wednesday. Amounts between 10 mm and 30 mm are estimated, with maximums of up to 45 mm in low areas during periods of 6-12 hours. Higher values ​​are not ruled out at times. Part of the cloudiness may reach sectors of the Central Valley with possible occasional rain, especially in the north and east.

In addition, very strong wind gusts of up to 105 km/h are expected in the North Pacific near the Guanacaste mountain range and 80-90 km/h in the mountains, hills and volcanoes of the country. The lower areas will have strong gusts between 55 - 75 km/h.

Warning: Both the mountainous areas of the Caribbean and the Northern Zone have reached 90-100% of their soil saturation capacity, therefore, they are highly vulnerable to the occurrence of floods. Strong and very strong wind gusts, with the probability of incidents occurring.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:
• Caution due to saturation of sewers in places prone to this type of flooding, as well as due to the increase in flow in rivers and streams.
• Prevention due to wind gusts 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

Next report: Wednesday, December 4 at 6 p.m.
Paulo J. Solano S. – Meteorologist – DMSA/IMN