Meteorological Warning

Tropical wave #17 moving forward this Saturday

6 de julio de 2024

11:00 am

Diagnosis: Unstable atmospheric conditions are expected this morning in southern Central America, due to the position and activity of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and tropical wave #17. The latter will be positioned over Panama at the end of this morning and will be entering Costa Rica at the end of this afternoon and early evening. During the morning, scattered rains have been recorded in the North Caribbean and isolated showers southwest of the Nicoya Peninsula, around San Ramón and Palmares west of the Central Valley and San Miguel de Sarapiquí, among others. Forecast: Throughout the day, mostly cloudy skies are expected nationwide, as well as variable rain activity. For the end of the morning and early afternoon, isolated showers with thunderstorms are expected for the Nicoya Peninsula, the western and southern sectors of the Central Valley, as well as the mountainous parts south of the Northern Zone. As the afternoon progresses, rain is expected to become more widespread in the Central Valley, the Northern Zone and most of Guanacaste, however, the strongest activity is expected to be concentrated mainly in the mountainous areas. Estimated amounts are between 30-50 mm with maximums located between 70-100 mm. The Central and South Pacific regions will maintain scattered showers with strong storms located in the highlands during the afternoon, with the possibility of extending to coastal areas at the beginning of the night. Estimated amounts are between 50-80 mm with possible higher localized amounts. For the Caribbean, occasional rain is expected in coastal areas throughout the day (maximums between 10-30 mm) and localized showers in mountainous areas and surrounding areas (Guápiles, Turrialba among others, amounts 30-60 mm). Precipitation may extend during part of the night period. Warning: The rains that may occur in urban areas can cause flash flooding and sewer saturation due to the high saturation of the soil. 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 during electrical storms and seek shelter in a safe place in case of strong gusts of wind 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 media: Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR and the WEBSITE: www.imn.ac.cr Roberto Vindas Meteorologist DMSA-IMN