Weather Warning

Intertropical Convergence Zone over Costa Rica

August 1st, 2024

09:00 a.m.

Diagnosis: The Intertropical Convergence Zone, high humidity content and instability in the upper atmosphere favor conditions for the development of rains during the afternoon and part of the night of this Thursday. Rains and showers have occurred this morning in sectors of the North Caribbean and North Zone, amounts between 1 mm and 5 mm, with a maximum in Cariari de Limón of 32 mm, this in the last 2 hours.

Forecast: During this morning, rains are expected to continue in the North Zone and North Caribbean. Estimated amounts between 5 mm and 15 mm, with maximums between 15 mm and 35 mm.

During the afternoon and during the first half of the night, rains and showers with thunderstorms are expected in the regions of the North Pacific, North Zone and mountains west of the North Caribbean, estimated amounts between 10 mm and 50 mm, with maximums between 50 mm and 90 mm in periods of 6-12 hours.

In the Central Pacific and South Pacific, rain and downpours with thunderstorms are expected, especially in mountainous regions. Estimated amounts are between 10 mm and 40 mm, with maximums between 40 mm and 70 mm in periods of 6-12 hours.

For the Central Valley and South Caribbean, rain of variable intensity is expected with a moderate possibility of thunderstorms. Estimated amounts are between 10 mm and 30 mm, with maximums between 30 mm and 60 mm in periods of 6-12 hours.

Warning: Saturation of extremely high ground in the North Zone, Caribbean, South Pacific and Nicoya Peninsula, increasing vulnerability in these areas. In addition, in urban areas, sewer saturation could lead to flash flooding.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding.
• Prevention against thunderstorms and seek shelter in a safe place if strong gusts of wind occur or are perceived near storm clouds, due to the possible fall of tree branches, power lines, among others. These gusts can reach 80 km/h in some isolated cases.
• Stay informed through social networks, Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR and the WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr

Paulo Solano
Meteorologist
DMSA-IMN