Weather Report N°1

Low pressure system continues to strengthen off the coast of the Costa Rican Caribbean

October 22, 2023

10.30 am

Diagnosis: As has been reported, a low pressure system located off the coast of Limón is strengthening and currently maintains a 50% probability of increasing its intensity to a tropical depression in the next 48 hours as published by the National Center for Hurricanes (NHC) in its most recent report.

This morning, varied cloudiness is perceived over the north of the national territory with
 rains in the Caribbean North as well as occasional moderate to strong gusts in La Cruz de
 Guanacaste (41 km/h). Forecast: This low pressure is expected to continue strengthening
over the next 24 hours as it slowly moves northwest toward the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua,
making landfall in that country Monday night or early Tuesday. Now, over our country, the flow
 of humidity is expected to remain due to the circulation of low pressure and its interaction
with the Intertropical Convergence Zone. This situation would reinforce rainfall this Monday
 and Tuesday on the Pacific slope, especially the North and South Pacific, as well as portions
 of the Central Pacific. Estimated accumulations in 24 hours between 60 - 170 mm with specific
 maximums of up to 200 mm. If the planned trajectory continues, the influence of said
disturbance will last during the first three days of the week. The Central Valley, Northern
Zone and Caribbean would be experiencing mostly cloudy conditions with intermittent afternoon
 rains, amounts between 50 to 80 mm in 24 hours, possible greater amounts of up to 100 mm. 
Regarding the wind pattern; Occasional gusts of strong northeast wind can be expected on
 Sunday and Monday (around 40-60 km/h) in Guanacaste, on Tuesday southwest winds
(ranges between 30-50 km/h) in the North Pacific and northern Central Pacific. 

Warning: There are saturated soils in several parts of the country, therefore,
moderate to intense rains can increase the risk of incidents. Special attention in the South
 Pacific, Nicoya Peninsula and Central Pacific, Sarapiquí basin and mountainous sectors
surrounding the Central Valley and Talamanca and the Northern Zone. 

Due to the above, the IIMN recommends: 
• Caution due to sewage saturation and possible flash floods, as well as the main routes
of the country in the event of heavy rain events. 
• Prevention against electrical storms and seeking shelter
in a safe place in case strong gusts of wind occur or are perceived near storm clouds,
due to the possible fall of tree branches, power lines, among others.
• Stay informed through social networks, Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: National Meteorological
Institute CR and the WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr 

Next report will be issued today at 10 p.m.

Gabriela Chinchilla

DMSA-IMN

 

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