Weather Warning

Very strong winds in the north and center of the country

December 13, 2023

9:40 a.m.

Diagnosis: Cold surge #7 continues to move over the Caribbean Sea, generating high values in atmospheric pressure in the region. This causes very strong trade winds in the north and center of the national territory; So far, maximum speeds of 109 km/h have been recorded in La Cruz de Guanacaste, followed by 90 km/h in Volcán Orosi and Bagaces, Cerro Chirripó, Chitaría and Buenavista 77 km/h, Volcano Poás and Irazú 67 km/h , Pavas and Fraijanes 57 km/h, Ochomogo 55 km/h among others.

In addition, as a result of the drag of the wind, there is an incursion of humidity favoring rains and downpours in the North Zone and Limón, amounts of 45 mm on the Southern Caribbean coast, 55 mm in Sarapiquí, 44 mm in Zarcero, 40 mm in San Carlos, 35 mm in Dos Ríos de Upala, 25 mm in Cariblanco, 20 mm in San Rafael de Heredia, these accumulations have occurred since midnight.

Forecast: Very windy conditions will continue to be present throughout today, Wednesday, with greater accentuation in the north and center of the national territory, as well as in mountainous sectors; Winds are expected to begin to decrease this Thursday. Specifically, for the Central Valley, maximum gusts are estimated between 40 - 80 km/h, while in the North Pacific and surrounding mountainous sectors, maximum speeds will range between 80 - 110 km/h.

Regarding rainfall, persistence is expected this morning with intermittent rains and downpours in the Caribbean and the Northern Zone, estimated amounts between 20 - 60 mm in periods of 6 hours. Likewise, in the east/north of the Central Valley and the main mountain range of the country, intermittent drizzles and weak rains continue, with approximate amounts of 5 - 15 mm. On the Pacific slope and west of the Central Valley, little cloud cover will prevail, with no significant rain throughout the day. The influence of this cold surge is expected to decrease this Thursday.

Warning: Special attention due to intense wind gusts in the mountainous sectors and north of the North Pacific.Due to saturated soils in Sarapiquí and mountains in the Northern Zone due to downpours this morning.

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

MSc.Gabriela Chinchilla

Meteorologist DMSA-IMN