Weather Warning (Update)

Instability of the upper atmosphere and active Intertropical Convergence Zone over the country

August 21, 2024

04.40 p.m.

Diagnostic: The presence of high-level atmospheric instability over the region, combined with seasonal factors such as the Intertropical Convergence Zone and the Caribbean low-level Jet Stream (accelerated trade winds), have favored the presence of showers accompanied by storms in maritime areas surrounding the Central and South Pacific early this morning and tomorrow, Wednesday, as well as in maritime sectors of the North Caribbean. In the last 6 hours, cloudiness has appeared with local rains in the Central and South Pacific with accumulations between 5 - 30 mm, while for the Caribbean and parts of the north of the North Zone, records of less than 10 mm have accumulated. This afternoon, most of the strong convective rain activity has been recorded between Puntarenas and Nicoya, with amounts of: 80 mm in Barco Quebrado, 40 mm in Ciudad Neily, 38 mm Pitahaya de Puntarenas, 33 mm in Orotina, 20 mm in Damas.

Forecast: For the rest of the afternoon and during the night, heavy rain is expected to persist in the North and Central Pacific, to a lesser extent towards the South Pacific, amounts between 30 - 60 mm and punctual maximums of 80 to 100 mm. It is estimated that for the early morning and morning of Thursday, the Caribbean will present showers, in addition to the recurring instability in maritime areas of the Pacific, which will present cloudy conditions with the possibility of localized rain on the coast. Warning: The maritime areas surrounding the Pacific continue to occur strong storms in different periods (night, early morning and morning), with the possibility of adverse conditions. High soil saturation remains in the North Zone and the Osa Peninsula, increasing vulnerability in these sectors.

 

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

 

 

DMSA-IMN

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