Meteorological Report N°7

Costa Rica out of influence by Cold Surge #3

December 5, 2024

10:00 am

Diagnosis: This Thursday, Costa Rica is out of significant influence from Cold Thrust #3. The shear line associated with this system that was generating heavy rainfall in the Caribbean and Northern Zone in previous days continues to weaken and is close to dissipating.

However, atmospheric pressure remains high over the Caribbean Sea basin, which keeps the trade wind accelerated. This condition favors the entry of medium and low cloudiness towards the Caribbean, Northern Zone and surroundings of the Guanacaste and Tilarán mountain ranges, generating scattered light to moderate rains. In the last 6 hours, the maximum amounts are between 10-20 mm.

In addition, although the intensity of the wind decreased compared to previous days, gusts remain in the center and north of the national territory. Maximum values ​​​​between 30-45 km/h are recorded in the Central Valley and between 60-80 km/h in the north of Guanacaste and mountainous sectors of the country.

Forecast: Partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered light to moderate rains will persist throughout the morning in the Caribbean, Northern Zone and mountainous areas of the North Pacific. Maximum amounts between 10-30 mm are expected. During the afternoon, cloudiness is projected to gradually decrease.

For the rest of the country, little precipitation is expected in general terms throughout this Thursday. Possibility of isolated drizzle in mountainous areas of the Central Valley, as well as probability of isolated showers with thunderstorms for the South Pacific in the afternoon and coastal areas of the Central Pacific in the early hours of the night.

Moderate to strong gusts will continue in the Central Valley (35-50 km/h), northern Guanacaste and mountainous areas of the rest of the country (60-85 km/h).

Warning: Both the mountainous areas of the Caribbean and the Northern Zone have reached 90-100% of their soil saturation capacity, therefore, they are highly vulnerable to the occurrence of floods. Strong and very strong wind gusts, with the probability of incidents occurring.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

Caution due to sewer saturation in places prone to this type of flooding, as well as due to the increase in flow in rivers and ravines.
Prevention due to wind gusts and their possible affectation of 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 fires of all kinds, since they can get out of control. Stay informed through social media, Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional CR and the WEBSITE: www.imn.ac.cr

Next report: this is the last report regarding this event

Roberto Vindas – Meteorologist – DMSA/IMN

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