Weather Warning (Update)

Rain and thunderstorms expected this Friday

May 23, 2025

5:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: An increase in ambient humidity, coupled with the proximity of the Convergence Zone and local factors, have favored the presence of heavy downpours with thunderstorms in several parts of the country. In the afternoon, accumulated rainfall was between 15 and 35 mm for the North Pacific, with a maximum of 110 mm (Hojancha), between 10 and 35 mm for the Central Valley, but with reports of strong storms, and between 15 and 45 mm for the rest of the Pacific regions, with a maximum of 92 mm in the mountainous areas of the General Valley. For the Caribbean and Northern Zone, rainfall was between 5 and 35 mm, with a maximum of 50 mm (Sarapiquí).

Forecast: Variable rainfall is expected for the remainder of the afternoon and early evening, with scattered showers and thunderstorms for the western and coastal areas of the Pacific. Estimated accumulated rainfall is expected to range between 30 and 50 mm, with a maximum of 80 mm over a 6-hour period. The Caribbean and Northern regions will experience rain and showers with occasional thunderstorms in western areas, with estimated amounts between 10 and 50 mm. The Central Valley is expected to experience rain and short-lived thunderstorms in the late afternoon and early evening. Estimated accumulated rainfall is expected to range between 25 and 50 mm. There is a likelihood of increased precipitation for the nighttime period, across the Caribbean region of our country. Estimated amounts over a 6-hour period are estimated to range between 20 and 50 mm, with maximums of up to 80 mm.

Warning: Soil saturated levels, between 85% and 90%, are occurring in the South Pacific, Central Pacific Mountains, the Sarapiquí Basin, and surrounding areas. This situation increases the risk of flash flooding and/or landslides. Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to sewer saturation in areas prone to this type of flooding.

• Prepare for thunderstorms and seek shelter in a safe place if strong wind gusts occur or are perceived near storm clouds, due to the possible fall of tree branches, power lines, among other things. These gusts can reach 80 km/h in some isolated cases.

• Stay informed through social media: Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR, and the website: www.imn.ac.cr Jose Valverde Mora Meteorologist DMSA-IMN: www.imn.ac.cr

Jose Valverde Mora

Meteorologist

DMSA-IMN