Meteorological Warning

Localized heavy rains in coastal areas of the Central and South Pacific

November 20, 2024

08:15 p.m.

Diagnosis: Local factors such as sea breezes and daytime warming favor the presence of localized showers, but of strong intensity in coastal sectors of the Central and South Pacific during the first hours of the night. The most important accumulations of the last 6 hours are: Coto Brus 62.6 mm, Ciudad Neily 59.2 mm, Marina Pez Vela – Quepos 51.6 mm and Barú 42.4 mm.

 

Forecast: During the next 2 – 3 hours, it is estimated that showers will continue with isolated thunderstorms in coastal sectors of the Central and South Pacific, with the Central Pacific being where the most important activity is expected. Accumulations of 20 – 50 mm are estimated, with possible higher amounts in a localized manner.

For the Northern Zone, light to moderate rains are expected, with estimated accumulations of 10 – 30 mm for the next 6 hours.

 

Warning: There are still highly saturated soils, between 85% and 95%, in coastal areas of the Nicoya Peninsula, northern Guanacaste, the Central Pacific coast, the mountains of the Northern Zone and the mountains of the South Pacific. In addition, in the mountains west of the Caribbean, soil saturation levels reach around 80%. This condition maintains vulnerability to incidents such as flooding or landslides.

 

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

 

• Caution due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding.
• Prevention in the event of an electrical storm and seeking shelter in a safe place in the event of strong gusts of wind occurring or 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.

 

 

Andrés Gamboa Valverde

Meteorologist

DMSA-IMN

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