Weather Warning

Influence of Cold Surge #18 on the country

February 19, 2024

9:25 a.m.

Diagnosis: Analysis shows that cold thrust #18 will maintain its influence over the national territory during the first half of the week. Currently, there have been wind gusts between 40 km/h and 65 km/h in the Central Valley; and between 60 km/h to 80 km/h in the North Pacific, with a magnitude close to 100 km/h in the canton of La Cruz.

Forecast: For this Monday there will be a windy pattern in the country, very strong to intense gusts of wind (between 70 km/h to 105 km/h) are expected in the North Pacific and strong to very strong gusts (between 50 km/h to 70 km/h) in the Central Valley and mountainous sectors.

During the first days of this week, a decrease in maximum temperatures is expected because the cold mass will be able to position itself north of Costa Rica. The latest analyzes carried out show that a reduction of 3 °C to 6 °C may occur in the North Zone and the Caribbean; and between 2 °C to 4 °C in the Central Valley and mountainous sectors.

Regarding precipitation and cloudiness, it is forecast that in the Caribbean regions and the Northern Zone there will be mostly cloudy skies with scattered rains throughout the day, with accumulated amounts of rain between 15 mm and 30 mm in general, and maximum accumulated amounts between 35 mm to 50 mm punctually near the mountains of the Northern Zone, the Northern Caribbean and the coast of Limón. Part of this precipitation could reach the mountains, to the east and north of the Central Valley in the form of drizzle.
In the South Pacific, isolated showers may occur during the night period, mainly coastal.

Warning: Special attention due to very strong gusts of wind in the North Pacific and the Central Valley.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Prevention of wind gusts and their possible impact on 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 burning of all types, as they can get out of control.
• Stay informed through social networks, Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: National Meteorological Institute CR and the WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr

Paulo Solano
Meteorologist
DMSA-IMN

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