Weather Warning

Tropical wave #20 moves over Costa Rica

July 19, 2024

10.20 a.m.

Discussion: The entry of tropical wave #20 has generated unstable atmospheric conditions over Costa Rica, favoring partial to total cloudiness this morning and early morning, as well as rain in the North Zone, Caribbean, said precipitations have extended to the Central Valley and the north of Guanacaste, causing maximum accumulations between 30-50 mm. At this time the rains have ceased in these sectors and a medium cloud layer prevails in the country.

Forecast: Clouds developments are expected for this afternoon and early evening, which will increase rainfall, downpours and thunderstorms, starting in the mountainous region of the country and gradually moving towards the lower parts of the Central and South Pacific regions, as well as the Central Valley, where accumulations of between 30-60 mm are estimated in 6-hour periods. In the North Pacific (especially the Nicoya Peninsula, the Tempisque Valley and surrounding areas), the North Zone and the Caribbean mountains, isolated episodes of rain accompanied by thunderstorms are expected, with amounts estimated between 25-50 mm in 6-hour periods. In addition, fog banks are possible at the end of the afternoon and at the beginning of the night period in the Central Valley and mountainous areas.

At the end of the afternoon, the tropical wave will be located to the west of the country, so its effects will gradually decrease in the national territory.

Warning: Special attention should be paid to the Caribbean, Northern Zone, and North and South Pacific regions, as the soils maintain high levels of saturation, which increases vulnerability in these areas. In addition, in urban areas, sewer saturation could lead to flooding.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Be careful due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding.
• Prevention against electrical storms and seek 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

Rebeca Morera R
Meteorologist
DMSA-IMN

---