Weather Warning

Rainy conditions in the Caribbean and Northern Zone this Tuesday and Tropical Wave #12

Jul 01th, 2025

10 am

Diagnosis

The strengthening of the trade winds over the central and northern regions of the country has produced wind gusts of up to 50 km/h in areas such as Alajuela this morning. This condition, combined with atmospheric instability associated with Tropical Wave #12 — currently located west of Panama — is favoring rainfall of varying intensity, ranging from moderate to heavy, accompanied by thunderstorms, especially in the Caribbean (mainly Limón) and the Northern Zone.

Light rain has also been reported in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range and in parts of the eastern and northern Central Valley. Rainfall totals over the past 8 hours have ranged between 10 and 50 mm.

Forecast

Rainfall activity is expected to continue throughout the rest of the morning and into the afternoon, with the greatest impact in the Northern Zone, Caribbean, and the country's main mountain ranges, especially in central and northern areas. Rainfall accumulations in these regions, including the Central Volcanic Mountain Range and the Tilarán and Guanacaste ranges, are estimated between 50 and 80 mm over 12 to 24-hour periods.

Additionally, isolated but intense downpours may occur in mountainous areas of the Central and Southern Pacific regions, with estimated accumulations between 15 and 50 mm. During the night, moderate rainfall is expected to persist in the northern part of the country, especially in the mountains of Guanacaste and the Northern Zone, with accumulations between 30 and 80 mm.

About Tropical Wave #12

The axis of this tropical wave is expected to cross the country between this afternoon and evening. However, its most significant effects are forecast for Wednesday, with heavy morning rainfall in the Caribbean and Northern Zone, and in the afternoon over the Pacific and Central Valley.

Warning

Current soil saturation levels range between 60% and 85% in areas around the canton of Osa, the mountains of the Southern and Central Pacific, and the Nicoya Peninsula. In the Northern Zone and the Caribbean, saturation is very high, ranging from 65% to 100%.

IMN Recommendations

• Exercise caution in areas prone to flooding due to poor drainage systems or blocked sewers.

• Take preventive measures against thunderstorms: if storms occur or strong gusts are felt near storm clouds, seek shelter in a safe place, as falling branches, power lines, or other debris may occur. In isolated cases, wind gusts could reach up to 80 km/h.

• Stay informed through official IMN channels:

  • Twitter: @IMNCR

  • Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR

  • Website: www.imn.ac.cr

MSc. Gabriela Chinchilla R.
Meteorologist / DMSA - IMN