Weather Warning (Update)

Variable rainfall in recurring areas.

May 26, 2025

6:05 p.m.

Diagnosis: The Intertropical Convergence Zone is located over Costa Rica and Panama, bringing moisture from both sides. Along with the presence of trade winds in the central Caribbean Sea and local factors, this is favoring unstable conditions this early week. As of 7:00 a.m., rainfall in the country has not exceeded 20 mm; however, a strong thunderstorm is expected in coastal areas west of the Nicoya Peninsula, with rainfall near Nosara reaching 126 mm.

Forecast: Rain will continue in mountainous areas of the Caribbean and northern regions within 2 to 3 hours, with rainfall below 15 mm. The same pattern may occur in the Central Valley.

In coastal areas of Guanacaste, rainfall and thunderstorms are expected to continue for 2 to 3 hours, with rainfall between 40 and 50 mm, and maximum rainfall of up to 80 mm. In the Central and South Pacific, isolated rainfall may occur in coastal areas with accumulated rainfall below 15 mm.

Warning: Saturated soils with high levels of up to 80% are present in the South Pacific, the Nicoya Peninsula, and the plains of the Northern Caribbean. This situation increases the risk of flash flooding.

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

Paulo J. Solano S.
Meteorologist
DMSA-IMN