Weather Warning (Update)

Tropical Wave #3 over Costa Rica this Wednesday

May 25, 2025

6.15 pm

Forecast: Tropical Wave 3 is crossing Costa Rica this Wednesday, increasing instability in its wake.

In recent hours, heavy downpours have been recorded on the Pacific coast. This is more widespread in the Central and South Pacific; rainfall amounts range from 30 mm to 80 mm in these regions. In addition, more isolated, but also heavy, downpours have occurred in the western Central Valley, the Northern Zone, and Guanacaste, with amounts ranging from 10 mm to 40 mm.

Forecast: In the coming hours, heavy downpours with thunderstorms will continue on the Pacific coast. The heaviest rainfall will persist near and/or over the Central and South Pacific coast, with estimated amounts between 30 mm and 60 mm. Heavy downpours are expected in the late afternoon and early evening around the Gulf and Nicoya Peninsula with similar amounts.

Tropical Wave 3 is expected to exit the country late in the night, leaving unstable conditions across our territory.

Warning: Soil saturation levels between 85-90% are occurring in the Nicoya Peninsula, Sarapiquí Basin, South Pacific. This situation increases the risk of flash flooding in low-lying areas and small landslides in mountainous areas.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:
• Caution due to sewer saturation in areas prone to this type of flooding.
• Prepare for thunderstorms and seek shelter in a safe place if strong wind gusts occur or are perceived near storm clouds, due to the possible fall of tree branches, power lines, among other things. These gusts can reach 80 km/h in some isolated cases.
• Stay informed through social media: Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR, and the website: www.imn.ac.cr

Gabriela Chinchilla R.
Meteorologist
DMSA-IMN