Weather Warning

Scattered showers and thunderstorms this Sunday in recurring sectors

May 18, 2025

09:40 a.m.

Diagnosis: Local factors such as humid Pacific breezes and warm temperatures will favor scattered showers with thunderstorms this Sunday afternoon in areas where significant rainfall has occurred in recent days.

Forecast: Showers and scattered downpours accompanied by thunderstorms will occur in the afternoon. The regions expected to experience these conditions will be the mountains of the South and Central Pacific, the eastern and central Central Valley, along with parts of the central North Pacific and the surrounding areas of the Gulf of Nicoya. Rainfall will extend into the evening near the Pacific coast.

The most significant accumulations, although very localized, are expected from Potrero Grande and Coto Brus, westward near the Gulf of Dulce and over the Osa Peninsula. Additionally, rainfall will continue in the mountains northeast of Puntarenas and around the Gulf of Nicoya. Overall, estimated accumulated rainfall is expected to be between 20 and 40 mm, with peak rainfall between 60 and 90 mm.

Warning: Special attention should be paid to areas where a strong storm with its characteristics is expected. Saturated soils with high humidity levels between 85% and 100% are present throughout the South Pacific, the Central Pacific mountains, the Sarapiquí Basin, and the Nicoya Peninsula. 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, and other sources. 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

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