Weather Warning

Downpours with a storm this Sunday

May 12, 2024

10.30 am

Diagnosis: Once again, local factors such as sea breezes and high temperatures, combined with the activity of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, favor conditions for the occurrence of downpours with storms in the center and north of the national territory this afternoon.

Forecast: From the early hours of the afternoon, cloudiness is anticipated that would cause downpours accompanied by an electrical storm in the South Pacific (Valle del General and border sector) and Central Pacific (Zona de los Santos and coastal sector). Next, we expect the development of storm clouds with heavy downpours in the Central Valley (San José and Heredia), the North Zone (Ciudad Quesada and Arenal) and the North Pacific (Nicoya, Orotina, Miramar, Bagaces, Liberia). The maximum amounts are estimated between 25 - 50 mm with maximums between 60 - 80 mm, possible larger amounts from time to time. As for the Caribbean, downpours with storms are expected in the mountains. The estimated accumulated amounts will be between 20 - 45 mm with localized maximums of up to 60 mm.

At night, rains and downpours are expected between the Central Pacific and the North Pacific only at the beginning of the period. Amounts between 20 to 50 mm, with larger amounts occasionally. Warning: Attention in sectors of the North Pacific (around the Gulf of Nicoya and Miramar, central Nicoya, Liberia and Orotina), in general the Central Pacific and South Pacific due to humid soils both in low parts and especially in mountainous areas (Valle del General presents high saturation as well as border basins).

Special attention in urban areas of the Central Valley due to possible flooding due to sewage saturation, especially in San José, Alajuela and Heredia. The Northern Zone shows moderate soil saturation in the Ciudad Quesada and Arenal basins. Be attentive to the development of storm clouds which present their own and significant characteristics such as descending gusts, high precipitation intensity in short periods of time and electrical discharges.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends: • Caution due to sewage saturation in places prone to this type of flooding. • Prevention against electrical storms and seeking shelter in a safe place in case 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: National Meteorological Institute CR and the WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr

Gabriela Chinchilla R

Meteorologist

DMSA-IMN

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