Weather Warning

Heavy rain and thunderstorm for this Thursday

May 16, 2024

9:00 a.m.

Diagnosis: The Intertropical Convergence Zone and a high humidity content maintain instability in southern Central America. During the early morning and morning, rains of varying intensity occurred in sectors of the South Pacific, with accumulations between 5 and 15 mm; In other sectors, no relevant rains were recorded.

Forecast: Intense rainy activity is anticipated for this Thursday, with heavy downpours and thunderstorms that could begin as early as the early afternoon (mainly over mountains) and continue during the night period, especially in coastal sectors of the Pacific.

Downpours with storms are expected in mountainous sectors to the west of the Northern Caribbean, Northern Zone and around the Gulf of Nicoya, Tempisque plain and sectors to the southeast of the North Pacific. Precipitation accumulations are forecast between 30 mm and 70 mm, with maximum amounts located between 70 mm and 100 mm. In the Central Pacific, Central Valley, South Pacific and mountains of the South Caribbean, amounts between 20 mm and 40 mm can occur, with maximums located between 40 mm and 70 mm. For the coastal Caribbean, no relevant rains are expected, accumulated below 20 mm.

Warning: Attention in the surroundings of Sarapiquí, Aguas Zarcas, mountainous sectors of the Northern Zone and west of the Northern Caribbean, as well as in the surroundings of the Gulf of Nicoya and eastern Guanacaste due to humid soils in both low-lying parts and mountainous areas. Special attention in urban areas of the Central Valley due to possible flooding due to sewage saturation. In addition, caution is recommended due to rapid growth of streams and rivers. Be attentive to the development of storm clouds, which present their own significant characteristics, such as strong downward gusts, heavy precipitation in short periods of time, and electrical discharges.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to sewage saturation in places prone to this type of flooding.
• Prevention against electrical storms and seeking shelter in a safe place in case 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: National Meteorological Institute CR and the WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr

Paulo Solano
Meteorologist
DMSA-IMN

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