Weather Warning

Strong to very strong wind gusts due to cold surge #9

January 23, 2025

9:00 a.m.

Diagnosis: The increase in atmospheric pressure in Central America and the Caribbean Sea favors accelerated trade winds, which is generated by the influence of cold push #9. During this Thursday, maximum gusts of 88 km/h have been recorded at the Orosi Volcano, 83 km/h at La Cruz, 72 km/h at the Poás Volcano, 75 km/h at Cerro Buenavista, 71 km/h at the Irazú Volcano, 70 km/h at Cerro Cedral and ranges between 30-60 km/h in low sectors of the Central Valley and North Pacific. In addition, this wind pattern and a moderate to high humidity content in the lower layers of the atmosphere have favored the development of cloudiness and rain in the Caribbean and the Northern Zone. The accumulated amounts presented in the last 6 hours are less than 25 mm, with a maximum point in Barra del Colorado of 47 mm.

Forecast: Strong gusts (between 35 km/h and 65 km/h) are forecast in the Central Valley and North Pacific, with very strong gusts (between 65 km/h and 105 km/h) occasionally, particularly in the North Pacific and over the country's mountain ranges. Windy conditions will be more significant between Friday and Saturday, during which time maximum gusts in low-lying areas of the Central Valley, North Zone and North Pacific could reach between 45 km/h and 75 km/h. Towards the north of Guanacaste, in the mountains, hills and volcanoes of the country, very strong gusts between 85 km/h and 115 km/h are expected. Regarding precipitation, rainy conditions are expected for the Caribbean and North Zone, from Thursday to Saturday (decreasing during Sunday). This Thursday, scattered rains are expected during the day, while a more generalized pattern of precipitation is expected during the night. The estimated cumulative amounts are between 30 mm and 50 mm, with maximum amounts of up to 75 mm.

The influence of cold pressure #9 will maintain the windy pattern over Costa Rica, even during this weekend.

Warning: Special attention should be paid to mountains and nearby low areas, due to the presence of strong to very strong gusts. High levels of soil saturation remain in the mountains of the Northern Zone, a situation that generates high vulnerability to flood risk.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Prevention due to wind gusts and their possible damage to roofs, electrical wiring, signs, trees; as well as in the mountainous parts of the country and Guanacaste (national parks, volcanoes).
• Caution is required in air navigation due to increased turbulence, as well as in maritime navigation due to increased rough seas, especially in the North Pacific, Gulf of Nicoya and northern Central Pacific.
• Avoid fires of any kind, as they can get out of control.
• Caution is required due to saturation of sewers in places prone to this type of flooding, as well as increased flow in rivers and streams.
• Stay informed through social networks: Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR and the website www.imn.ac.cr

Paulo J. Solano S.

Meteorologist

DMSA/IMN

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