Aviso Meteorológico

High pressure system will increase the trade winds again this weekend

February 17, 2023

11:20 a.m.

Diagnosis: A high pressure system located in the center of the North Atlantic keeps the trade wind accelerating in the Caribbean Sea, favoring incursions of cloudiness accompanied by light isolated rains and drizzles, towards the Caribbean slope. The accumulated values of rain in the last 12 hours are less than 25 mm over the Caribbean and North Zone regions. In addition, they maintain the trade wind over the country with gusts between 30 – 50 km/h in the Central Valley and between 40 – 60 km/h with maximums of 70 km/h for the North Pacific and mountainous sectors.

Forecast: As of this Saturday, the advance of a new high pressure system through the northern Gulf of Mexico will once again increase the intensity of the trade winds over the country starting this Saturday morning. In the Central Valley, gusts are forecast between 45 - 75 km/h, while for the North Pacific and mountainous sectors between 60 - 85 km/h with gusts can reach up to 110 km/h.

Regarding rainfall, intermittent light rains of short duration are estimated in regions of the Caribbean and the North Zone with amounts between 5 - 20 mm for today Friday in periods of 24 hours, decreasing the probability for Saturday with amounts lower than the 15mm. Isolated showers in the mountains of the Central Pacific and around the Golfo Dulce, this Friday afternoon.

Warning: Special attention due to strong gusts of wind in the North Pacific, Central Valley and the mountains for this weekend.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• • Prevention of gusts of wind 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 North Central Pacific.
• • Avoid burning of all kinds, since 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 Valverde Mora

Meteorologist

DMSA-IMN