Weather Warning

Cold surge #8 leaves the Caribbean Sea, but rains will continue in the Northern Zone

January 9, 2025

10:00 a.m.

Diagnosis: This Thursday the cold push #8 is in the Atlantic moving away from the Caribbean Sea so it no longer has influence in Costa Rica. However, a high pressure system in the United States keeps the trade winds accelerated in part of the Caribbean and with this, the entry of moisture to the regions of both the Northern Zone and the Caribbean continues; therefore, the rains will continue in these regions throughout the day.

Forecast: For this day, accumulated rainfall amounts are expected in the Caribbean and the Northern Zone between 30 mm and 60 mm, with maximums of up to 100 mm occasionally. In the mountains of the Central Valley, drizzle and weak rains will occur, with estimated amounts between 5 mm and 15 mm; part of these rains could reach the GAM in the afternoon.

Regarding wind, wind intensity is expected to range from moderate in the mountains of the Central Valley and Guanacaste plains (between 40 km/h and 60 km/h) to strong in the north of Guanacaste (between 60 km/h and 80 km/h).

Warning: Soil saturation levels remain high in the Northern Zone and Northern Caribbean, a situation that generates high flood risk vulnerability.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• - Caution due to sewage saturation in places prone to this type of flooding, as well as due to increased flow in rivers and streams.
• - Caution due to wind gusts and 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 the increase of turbulence, as well as in maritime navigation due to the increase of rough seas, especially in the North Pacific, Gulf of Nicoya and north of the Central Pacific.
• - Avoid fires of any kind, as they may get out of control.
• - Stay informed through social networks, Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR and WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr

Juan Diego Naranjo Díaz
Meteorologist
DMSA/IMN