Weather Warning

Showers in the Caribbean and rains of varying intensity this afternoon

September 16, 2024

9:20 a.m.

Diagnosis: The high humidity content in the Caribbean Sea has generated isolated storms in the Caribbean and Northern Zone during the early morning hours. The maximum accumulations in the last 6 hours are between 10 mm and 50 mm, with the maximum in Cahuita and Sixaola sectors. In addition, due to the proximity of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, there have been rains in coastal sectors of the Central Pacific, accumulated between 10 mm and 37 mm, with the maximum in Quepos.

Forecast: During the rest of the morning, moderate rains are expected in the Caribbean, with accumulations between 10 mm and 40 mm.

During the afternoon, isolated showers with thunderstorms are expected, particularly for the surroundings of the Nicoya Peninsula and mountain ranges in the Northern Pacific, estimated amounts between 20 - 50 mm with possible maximum localized amounts of 60 mm. For the Central Valley (mountains to the north and west of the region), mountains of the Central Pacific, South Pacific and Northern Zone, rains and showers with isolated thunderstorms are expected, with maximum amounts estimated between 15 - 40 mm, with possible larger amounts of up to 60 mm. In the mountains of the Caribbean and nearby low-lying areas, scattered showers with thunderstorms with amounts between 5-30 mm are possible. During the night, a gradual decrease in rainfall is expected; however, it may persist on the Pacific coasts (especially around the Gulf of Nicoya).

Warning: Saturated soils are present in the Northern Zone, South Pacific, Nicoya Peninsula and South Caribbean. Therefore, they are vulnerable areas.
Also, the rains expected in urban areas may cause congestion in the sewer system and flash floods.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding.
• Prevention against thunderstorms and seek shelter in a safe place if 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: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR and the WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr

Paulo Solano
Meteorologist
DMSA-IMN