Weather Warning

Influence of Cold Surge #8

January 7, 2025

10:00 a.m.

Diagnosis: Cold Surge #8 (EF#8, for its acronym in Spanish) entered the Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, its associated shear line is positioned close to the Nicaraguan Caribbean coast. The presence of this system is generating an increase in atmospheric pressure in the Caribbean Sea basin, which causes an acceleration of the wind over Costa Rica. In the Central Valley, gusts between 30-50 km/h are recorded, and in the north of Guanacaste and mountain ranges between 60-82 km/h. No significant rain is recorded at this time over the country.

Forecast: Throughout this Tuesday, the windy pattern will continue in the center, north and mountains of the national territory. Maximum gusts between 30-60 km/h are expected for the Central Valley and lower parts of Guanacaste, as well as between 60-90 km/h for the north of Guanacaste and mountainous areas of the rest of the country.

In the afternoon, occasional showers may occur in the Northern Zone and isolated showers in the Caribbean. For the night period and towards the early hours of Wednesday, an increase in cloud cover is projected for the Caribbean and Northern Zone, with scattered light to moderate rains. Estimated amounts between 15-35 mm in periods of 6 hours. In sectors of the east and north of the Central Valley, drizzle may occur.

In the South Pacific, the development of short-duration showers is possible during the afternoon, amounts below 30 mm. In the Central Pacific, rain in the mountains with similar amounts is not ruled out, however, its probability of occurrence is low.

The influence of cold push #8 will maintain the windy pattern over Costa Rica at least until next Thursday.

Warning: Special attention to mountains in the Northern Zone and mountains in the Los Santos Zone because saturation levels are between 80-90%, so their vulnerability to incidents is moderate-high.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding, as well as due to the increase in flow in rivers and streams.
• Prevention due to gusts of wind and their possible damage to roofs, electrical wiring, signs, trees; as well as in the mountainous parts of the country and Guanacaste (national parks, volcanoes).
• Caution in air navigation due to increased turbulence, as well as in maritime navigation due to increased rough seas, especially in the North Pacific, Gulf of Nicoya and northern Central Pacific.
• Avoid fires of any kind, as they can get out of control.
• Stay informed through social networks, Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR and the WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr

Paulo J. Solano S., Meteorologist – DMSA/IMN