Weather Warning

Rains of varying intensity during this Thursday

July 18, 2024

10:10 a.m.

Diagnosis: The Intertropical Convergence Zone is positioned over Costa Rica. This system, together with local factors and a high content of precipitable water in the atmosphere, will favor the occurrence of precipitation during the afternoon and early evening.

Forecast: During the afternoon and early evening, rains of varying intensity are expected towards the North Zone, mountainous sectors of the North Caribbean, Pacific and Central Valley.

In the Central Valley (especially in the west and north) and mountains west of the North Caribbean, partial to total cloudiness is expected, with showers and a moderate possibility of thunderstorms. Accumulated precipitation is estimated between 15 mm and 35 mm in periods of 6-12 hours, with maximum accumulations between 35 mm and 60 mm.

In the North Zone, partly to mostly cloudy is expected, with showers and a moderate possibility of thunderstorms, especially in mountainous sectors to the south and east. With accumulated precipitation in 6-hour periods between 20 mm and 50 mm, with maximums located between 50 mm and 70 mm in 6-12 hour periods.

In the South Pacific, Central Pacific and around the Gulf of Nicoya, heavy showers and a high possibility of thunderstorms are expected. The rains would begin in mountainous areas and plains, later spreading to the coastal part of these areas. The accumulated precipitation ranges will be between 30 mm and 60 mm, with maximums between 60 mm and 90 mm in 6-12 hour periods.

On the other hand, tropical wave n°20 is expected to enter the national territory during the early morning period of this Friday, favoring atmospheric instability and precipitation in the country.

Warning: Special attention in the Caribbean and Northern Zone regions, because the soils maintain high levels of saturation, which increases the vulnerability of the area. In addition, in urban areas, sewer saturation could cause flooding.

Because of the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding.
• Prevention against electrical storms and seeking 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 networks, Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR and the WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr

Paulo Solano
Meteorologist
DMSA-IMN

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