Weather Report N°2

Persistent rains in the Northern Zone and the Northern Caribbean this Tuesday

December 03, 2024

6:00 p.m.

Diagnosis: The effects of cold surge #3 will continue on Tuesday. The high pressure system that accompanies this surge increases the intensity of the trade winds in Central America and part of the Caribbean basin, dragging moisture into the region and generating rainfall in Costa Rica.

The maximum wind gusts recorded in the country are: 109 km/h in Guayabo-Bagaces, 100 km/h in Volcán Orosi and La Cruz-Guanacaste, 95 km/h in Volcán Irazú, 85 km/h in Cerro de la Muerte and high parts of Santa Ana, 40 – 65 km/h in other low areas of the Central Valley and North Pacific.

In the last 12 hours, rainfall amounts were recorded in the North Caribbean between 50 – 80 mm in Pococí, Siquirres, Matina; Between 30 - 65 mm in San Carlos, Ciudad Quesada, Sarapiquí and northeast of San Ramón, and between 10 - 30 mm in Turrialba and Juan Viñas. According to the National Emergency Commission, reports of incidents continue in the North Caribbean and the east of the Northern Zone (Sarapiquí River swollen and Reventazón River overflowing).

Forecast: Rain is expected during the night and early morning hours, both in the Caribbean regions and in the Northern Zone, with estimated amounts in periods of 6-12 hours between 25 mm and 50 mm near the mountains with maximums of up to 80 mm in low areas. Specific values ​​between 90 - 100 mm are expected in border sectors. Part of the rain reaches the mountains to the east and north of the Central Valley, in the form of rain and drizzle.

In addition, very strong wind gusts of up to 110 km/h are expected in the North Pacific near the Guanacaste Mountain range and 90 km/h in the hills and volcanoes of the Central Valley. The lower areas will have strong gusts between 50 - 80 km/h.

The influence of cold pressure #3 will extend until Wednesday, with today Tuesday and tomorrow Wednesday being the rainiest days in both the Caribbean and Northern Zone regions.

Warning: Both the mountainous areas of the Caribbean and the Northern Zone have reached 100% of their soil saturation capacity, therefore, they are highly vulnerable to the occurrence of floods. Very strong and strong wind gusts with the probability of incidents occurring.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding, as well as increased flow in rivers and streams.

• Prevention due to wind gusts 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

Next report: Wednesday, December 4 at 2 a.m.

Jose Valverde Mora

Meteorologist

DMSA-IMN