Weather Warning

New period of rainy conditions in the Caribbean and Northern Zone this Monday and Tuesday

July 21, 2025

10:50 a.m.

Diagnosis: The strengthening of the trade winds over the central and western Caribbean Sea basin, increased humidity in the region, and the instability in the central atmosphere over the country will again favor episodes of variable rainfall over this basin and parts of the northern zone.

Regarding winds, maximum gusts are expected in the Central Valley between 30 and 55 km/h, while in the North Pacific, they are expected to reach 40 and 60 km/h, with 80 km/h in Bagaces and 85 km/h in La Cruz, Guanacaste. Regarding rainfall, variable rainfall has occurred during the early morning and early morning hours over the Caribbean and parts of the Northern Zone, with accumulated rainfall between 5 and 40 mm over the last 24 hours.

Forecast: Cloudy spells will continue during the morning, with variable but scattered rainfall, for the Caribbean and parts of the Northern Zone, with accumulated rainfall below 40 mm over 12-hour periods. During the evening, rainfall is expected to resume again for this region with similar accumulations (24-hour accumulations for these regions could reach 90 mm). In the afternoon, isolated showers accompanied by thunderstorms are expected for the South Pacific and parts of the Central Pacific Mountains, which will be even more localized in coastal areas. Estimated accumulated rainfall is expected to range between 25 and 60 mm, with peak rainfall of up to 75 mm.

Trade winds will present occasional gusts in the lower parts of the Central Valley and the North Pacific, with the highest gusts in the mountainous areas and over the mountain ranges. Estimated values similar to those currently observed, between 40 and 70 km/h (25 and 43 mph), with highs of 85 km/h (53 mph).

Regarding Tuesday's rains: Intensified instability is expected over the Caribbean slope regions throughout Tuesday, with the likelihood of heavy downpours from the eastern portions and advancing westward on the Caribbean slope.

Warning: Soil saturation percentages between 60% and 85% are currently recorded in most of the lowland regions of the Caribbean and the Northern Zone, as well as in the surrounding areas of the Osa canton and the mountains of the South Pacific.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution against possible sewer saturation in areas prone to flooding due to water accumulation.

• Thunderstorm prevention: If strong wind gusts occur or are perceived near storm clouds, it is recommended to seek shelter in a safe place, as tree branches, power lines, or other objects could fall. These gusts can reach up to 80 km/h in isolated cases.

• Stay informed through official channels:

 Twitter: @IMNCR

 Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR

 Websitewww.imn.ac.cr

Jose Valverde Mora

Meteólogist

DMSA-IMN