Weather Warning

Rains in the Caribbean due to the influence of Cold Surge #18

February 20, 2024

09:30 a.m.

Diagnosis: The practically stationary condition of the frontal system #18, the high humidity content of the middle and lower atmosphere located over the system, in addition to the high pressure values over the region, has been translated into cloudy conditions with variable rainfall for the Caribbean regions and parts of the Northern Zone, along with the presence of accelerated trade winds with strong gusts for the North Pacific and Central Valley.

So far there have been accumulations in 12 hours between 10 – 40 mm for both the Caribbean regions and the Northern Zone, with specific accumulations of 70 mm in Cahuita, 65 mm in Pococí, Sarapiquí and San Carlos. On the other hand, there have been gusts of wind between 40 - 60 km/h in the Central Valley; and between 50 - 80 km/h in the North Pacific, with maximums of 100 km/h in the canton of La Cruz and in Bagaces, along with 80 km/h in the Orosi Volcano and Cañas.

Forecast: Regarding precipitation and cloudiness, it is forecast that in the Caribbean regions and parts of the Northern Zone there will be mostly cloudy skies with rains of variable intensity and occasional rain, this throughout the day Tuesday and towards the beginning of this Wednesday. The estimated accumulated amounts of rain in 24 hours will be between 15 mm and 45 mm, with maximum accumulated amounts located between 60 mm to 95 mm punctually near and on the mountains of the North Caribbean, South Caribbean, the coast of Limón and towards border sectors of Sixaola and mountains of Talamanca. Part of this precipitation could reach the mountains, to the east and north of the Central Valley in the form of light rains and drizzles. In the South Pacific, isolated showers may occur during the night period, mainly in coastal sectors.

Regarding accelerated trade winds, occasional very strong to intense gusts of wind (between 70 km/h to 100 km/h) are expected in the North Pacific and strong to very strong gusts (between 50 km/h to 75 km/h) in the Central Valley and mountainous sectors. Especially in the afternoon and towards Wednesday.

From Tuesday to Thursday, a decrease in maximum temperatures is expected, due to cloud cover and the fact that the cold mass could approach the north of the country. 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.

Warning: Special attention due to very strong gusts of wind in the North Pacific and the Central Valley and the rains in the mountains regions in the Caribbean slope.

 

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

 

Jose Pablo Valverde Mora

Meteorologist

DMSA-IMN

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