Weather Warning

Intertropical Convergence Zone over the country this Friday

May 02, 2025

10.45 am

Diagnosis: Highly unstable conditions continue across the country this Friday. The ITCZ ​​remains positioned over the country, contributing moisture to the Pacific and Central Valley since early this morning.

Forecast: Heavy downpours with thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and into the early evening in several regions of the country, especially in the Central Pacific, South Pacific, as well as in Guanacaste, the Central Valley, and the Northern Zone. Rainfall amounts between 40 and 100 mm are estimated over a six-hour period, with higher accumulations possible at times.

In addition, variable downpours and rain are expected on the Central Pacific coast and the Peninsula/Gulf of Nicoya during the night. In the Caribbean, the highest probability of heavy downpours remains in the mountainous areas and surrounding cantons, always occurring in the afternoon, with rainfall amounts ranging from 10 to 70 mm.

Warning: Due to the rains of recent days, soils show moderate to high saturation, ranging from 85% to 95% in the Central Pacific, South Pacific, and Nicoya Peninsula, and between 40% and 65% saturation in the Central Valley and mountains of the Caribbean/Northern Zone. 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 gusts of wind occur or are perceived near storm clouds, due to the possible fall of tree branches, power lines, and other hazards. 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

 

M.Sc. Gabriela Chinchilla R

Met

DMSA-IMN

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