Weather Warning (Update)

Variable rain activity for this afternoon and evening in the country

July 26, 2024

3:35 p.m.

Diagnosis: Unstable atmospheric conditions caused by the proximity of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, high humidity content and local factors have generated rainfall this afternoon in several areas of the country. The most significant amounts are in the mountainous surroundings of San Ramón (70 mm), Buenos Aires (50 mm), Hojancha (40 mm) and Bribrí (35 mm).

Forecast: During the rest of the afternoon and during the night, these conditions are expected to continue, favoring the occurrence of rains of varying intensity accompanied by storms.

In the Nicoya Peninsula, Central Pacific and South Pacific, showers with thunderstorms are expected with estimated accumulations between 20 mm and 50 mm, with maximums between 50 mm and 80 mm in periods of 6-12 hours.

In the Central Valley and mountains of the Caribbean, rains of varying intensity are expected during the rest of the afternoon, with a tendency to decrease in the early hours of the night. The estimated accumulated rainfall is between 10 mm and 30 mm, with maximum accumulated rainfall between 30 mm and 50 mm in periods of 6-12 hours.

In the North Zone, heavy localized downpours may occur, mainly in mountainous areas and surrounding areas. The estimated accumulated rainfall is between 30 mm and 50 mm, with maximum accumulated rainfall between 50 mm and 70 mm in periods of 6-12 hours.

In addition, the passage of tropical wave number 21 is anticipated during next Saturday. This system may reinforce rainfall in the country during the afternoon and night.

Warning: Mountains in the North Zone and North Caribbean are prone to landslides due to high soil saturation and possible river overflows at the foot of the mountains. Likewise, on the Pacific side, attention should be paid in both peninsulas due to high levels of saturation. Special attention should also be paid in urban areas due to the possibility of flooding due to saturated sewers.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding.
• Prevention against electrical storms and seek shelter in a safe place in case of strong gusts of wind near storm clouds, due to the possible fall of tree branches, power lines, among others. These gusts can reach 80 km/h in some isolated cases.
• Stay informed through social networks, Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR and the WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr

Paulo Solano
Meteorologist
DMSA-IMN

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