Weather Warning

Downpours with a storm this Saturday in several areas of the country

May 11, 2024

10.15 am

Diagnosis: Local factors such as sea breezes and high temperatures combined with the activity of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and the high humidity content that favor unstable atmospheric conditions in the country.

Forecast: For the afternoon, from the early hours of the morning, the development of abundant cloudiness is anticipated, which would lead to a high probability of heavy downpours accompanied by thunderstorms for the North Pacific, Central Pacific (mountainous areas in the afternoon and coastal sectors in night) and South Pacific (especially in mountainous areas and in the border sector). The maximum amounts are estimated between 25 - 50 mm with specific maximums between 60 - 80 mm.

The analyzes also indicate a high probability of afternoon rains of varying intensity for the Central Valley (center, north and west) with showers and thunderstorms. Maximum amounts are estimated between 25-50 mm with the possibility of localized higher amounts.

As for the Northern Zone and Caribbean regions, downpours with storms are expected in plains and mountainous sectors. The estimated accumulated amounts will be between 20 - 45 mm with localized maximums of up to 60 mm. These precipitations can last until the early hours of the night.

Warning: Attention in sectors of the North Pacific (around the Gulf of Nicoya and the mountainous southeast, central Nicoya as well), Central Pacific and South Pacific due to humid soils both in low parts and especially in mountainous areas (Valle del General presents moderate saturation ). Special attention in urban areas of the Central Valley due to possible flooding due to sewage saturation. Be attentive to the development of storm clouds which present their own and significant characteristics such as descending gusts, high precipitation intensity in short periods of time and electrical discharges.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends: • Caution due to sewage saturation in places prone to this type of flooding. • Prevention against electrical storms and seeking shelter in a safe place in case 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: National Meteorological Institute CR and the WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr

Gabriela Chinchilla R

Meteorologist

DMSA-IMN