Weather Warning

Rain and thunderstorms expected this Friday

May 23, 2025

10.00 a.m.

Discussion: An increase in ambient humidity, along with the proximity of the Convergence Zone and local factors such as breeze entry and morning warming, will facilitate cloudiness and precipitation in various regions of the country today.

This morning, cloudy incursions from the Caribbean Sea toward the province of Limón and the Northern Zone have caused rain of varying intensity and scattered thunderstorms. Maximum amounts between 20 mm and 56 mm have been recorded in the last 6 hours. Meanwhile, partly cloudy skies and warm temperatures have predominated in the Pacific and Central Valley regions.

Forecast: Rainfall of varying intensity will continue throughout Friday in the Caribbean and the North Zone, with a peak during the remainder of the morning and overnight, with amounts between 25 and 50 mm over a 6-hour period.

In the Pacific, rain and showers with thunderstorms are expected during the afternoon and early evening. The heaviest rainfall will occur in the Central Pacific, South Pacific, Nicoya Peninsula, Tempisque Valley, and surrounding areas, with accumulated amounts between 30 and 80 mm over a 6-hour period. Higher amounts are possible locally.

Toward the Central Valley, rain and showers with scattered thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon and early evening. Estimated accumulated amounts are between 25 and 50 mm.

Warning: Saturated soils with elevated levels between 85% and 90% are occurring in the South Pacific, Central Pacific Mountains, and the Sarapiquí Basin and surrounding areas. This situation increases the risk of flash flooding and/or landslides.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Be cautious about sewer saturation in areas prone to this type of flooding.
• Prepare for thunderstorms and seek shelter in a safe place if strong wind gusts occur or are perceived near storm clouds, due to the possible fall of tree branches, power lines, among other things. These gusts can reach 80 km/h in some isolated cases.
• Stay informed through social media: Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR, and the website: www.imn.ac.cr

Rebeca Morera R
Meteorologist
DMSA-IMN