Weather Warning

Trade winds due to the influence of the cold surge #9

January 1, 2024

10:40 a.m.

Diagnosis: Cold surge #9 has caused an increase in atmospheric pressure in Central America and the Caribbean Sea. This increase in pressure strengthens the trade winds and incursions of humidity in the Caribbean and Northern Zone. During the day, maximum gusts have occurred between 30 - 55 km/h in the Central Valley, between 30 - 50 km/h in the North Pacific with maximum gusts located in La Cruz and Volcán Orosí between 80 - 83 km/h. In addition, the rainfall recorded during the morning and early morning periods indicates accumulations below 10 mm.

Forecast: For this Monday, the trade winds are expected to maintain greater influence towards sectors of the center-north of the country, joining higher sectors in the mountain ranges. The wind will be moderate with occasional strong gusts. The estimated maximum gusts for the Central Valley will be between 35 - 65 km/h, while, for the North Pacific in mountainous sectors and low parts, they are forecast between 40 - 70 km/h with local maximums of up to 90 km/h. h.

Regarding rains, incursions of cloudiness are expected to continue, favoring occasional rains and drizzles for the Caribbean regions and the Northern Zone, with the presence of more recurrent rains during the night period. The estimated accumulations will be between 10 - 20 mm with localized maximums of 30 mm during a period of 12 hours.

The Central Pacific and South Pacific could show the presence of rain towards the afternoon period with amounts below 30 mm. Occasional rains that can be intense and short-lived.

Accelerated trade wind conditions will extend into the first few days of this week.

Warning: Special attention due to gusts of winds in the mountainous sectors and to the north of the North Pacific and in the Central Valley.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Prevention of wind gusts and their possible impact on roofs, electrical wiring, signs, trees; as well as in the mountainous parts of the country and Guanacaste (national parks, volcanoes).
• Caution 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 burning of all types, as they can get out of control.
• Stay informed through social networks, Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: National Meteorological Institute CR and the WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr

Paulo J. Solano S.
Meteorologist
DMSA-IMN

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