Weather Warning

Cold surge #5 to arrive in northern Central America this afternoon

December 11, 2024

10.00 a.m.

Discussion: This Wednesday morning, cold surge #5 is located over the Gulf of Mexico, about to enter the northwest of the Caribbean Basin, in the course of the afternoon of this day.

This system generates a gradual increase in atmospheric pressure and with it an intensification in the wind pattern in the country. Gusts are perceived in the mountainous parts of the Central Valley, reaching maximums of 56 km/h in Cerro Cedral, while in the North Pacific speeds between 40-52 km/h are maintained.

Forecast: Starting this afternoon, there will be an increase in the frequency of gusts in the North Pacific, Central Valley and mountain ranges. In general, speeds between 30-60 km/h are estimated towards the lower parts of the North Pacific and Central Valley, ranges between 70-100 km/h in the mountains of the country and in the north of Guanacaste.
Due to the drag of the wind, cloudiness is expected to develop, reaching the province of Limón and the Northern Zone, which will cause the presence of rain, being more evident during the night of Wednesday towards the early morning of Thursday, amounts between 25-50 mm in periods of 6-12 hours, higher accumulations are possible in a localized manner. The cloud layer can occasionally move towards the mountains, north of Guanacaste and east of the Central Valley, producing light rain, amounts less than 5 mm.

According to the latest analyses, the effects of cold push #5 can extend at least until Friday.

Warning: Special attention should be paid to mountainous areas of the North Caribbean, the Northern Zone and surrounding lowlands, as the basins have saturation levels between 85% and 95%.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding, as well as increased flow in rivers and streams.
• Prevention due to gusts of wind 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 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 all kinds, as they can get out of control. 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