Weather Warning

Tropical wave over Costa Rica on Friday leaves rains in the country

July 18, 2025

9:30 am

Diagnosis: The entry of tropical wave No. 16 over Costa Rica has left rains since early morning in both the Caribbean and the Northern Zone, registering values between 30 mm and 60 mm along the mountains, and up to 72 mm near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. At this hour, weak rains are registered in the Guanacaste mountain range reaching the surroundings of Liberia.

Forecast: Rainfall will continue throughout the day in both the Northern Caribbean and the Northern Zone, with heavy but short-lived showers. Estimated accumulations between 20 mm and 40 mm are expected, with maximums between 50 mm and 70 mm. Part of these rains will reach the Central Valley, leaving light showers and drizzle in the northern and eastern sectors of the region.
In the afternoon, scattered showers with thunderstorms are expected along the Pacific coast, mainly concentrated in the South Pacific, with estimated amounts between 20 mm and 50 mm.

Windy conditions will prevail during this day, with occasional gusts, particularly in the North Pacific and Central Valley. Wind maxima between 40 km/h and 60 km/h are forecast; in the mountainous sectors of these regions, speeds between 80 km/h and 90 km/h are estimated, near the north of the Guanacaste mountain range.

Finally, for this weekend, rains in the Northern Zone and the Caribbean will continue, with an increase in intensity expected with the passage of tropical wave No. 17 on Sunday.

Warning: The estimated rains may generate flash floods and sewer saturation in the Northern Zone and the Northern Caribbean, since soil saturation exceeds 80% in these places. 

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

-Caution before the possible saturation of the sewage system in areas prone to flooding due to water accumulation.

-Prevention before thunderstorms: in case of strong gusts of wind near storm clouds, it is recommended to seek shelter in a safe place, as they could generate falling tree branches, power lines or other objects. These gusts can reach up to 80 km/h in isolated cases.

Stay informed through the official channels: 

• Twitter: @IMNCR
• Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR
• Sitio web: www.imn.ac.cr