Diagnosis: The Intertropical Convergence Zone and a high-altitude trough are causing very humid and unstable conditions in the country. This favored rain and thunderstorms during the early morning and first hours of this morning on the Caribbean coast and the border of the Northern Zone.

Forecast: Cloud cover and rain/showers, with possible thunderstorms, will continue for the rest of the morning in regions of the Caribbean and the Northern Zone, estimated amounts between 20-50 mm. Possibility of light rain and drizzle in high parts of the Central Valley and also towards the province of Cartago, as well as on the Pacific coast, estimated accumulations between 1-10 mm. During the afternoon and during the night hours, heavy rain and showers with thunderstorms are expected in the Pacific regions, estimated amounts between 50-100 mm in periods of 6 hours. For the Central Valley, Northern Zone and mountains of the Caribbean, rains of varying intensity are expected, with possible thunderstorms, accumulations of between 20-70 mm in 6-hour periods. In addition, fog banks are possible at the end of the afternoon and beginning of the night period in the Central Valley and mountainous areas.

These rainy conditions will extend to Thursday (at least) in the country, so it is recommended to take extreme precautionary measures when moving the population on roads in this second half of the week.

Warning: Saturation of extremely high soils in the Northern Zone, Caribbean, South Pacific and Nicoya Peninsula, increasing vulnerability in these sectors. In addition, in urban areas, sewer saturation could lead to flash floods.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends: • Caution due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding. • Prevention against 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, 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

Gabriela Chinchilla Meteorologist DMSA-IMN