Weather Warning

Rains of varying intensity for this Wednesday in the national territory

May 08, 2024

09:10 a.m.

Diagnosis: The strong atmospheric instability in the south of Central America is caused by the location of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, specifically over Costa Rica and Panama. During the first hours of this Wednesday, extensive cloud developments are observed with the presence of downpours and storms over maritime areas surrounding the Costa Rican Pacific, in addition to others approaching from the Caribbean side. So far, there have been occasional rains in sectors of the Northern Caribbean, Northern Zone and parts of the Central Valley with accumulations between 5 - 15 mm.

Forecast: During the morning the entry of humidity will be accentuated and therefore the development of cloudiness, this on both slopes, with the possibility of showers in the Pacific mountains and in isolation in parts of the Caribbean and the Northern Zone.

During the afternoon period, the presence of downpours accompanied by thunderstorms is forecast, being more significant for the Central Pacific and South Pacific, since they will develop first in the high parts and later towards coastal sectors. The amounts accumulated in 12 hours will be between 40 - 60 mm with specific maximums between 60 - 90 mm.

In the case of the Central Valley and the central and mountainous west of the Northern Zone and Caribbean regions, occasional showers and downpours with localized storms are estimated. The estimated accumulated amounts will be between 15 - 30 mm with localized maximums of up to 60 mm. The North Pacific will present scattered showers and storms with amounts similar to the Caribbean and Northern Zone.

It is estimated that, for the beginning of the night, isolated showers will develop around both gulfs, along the coasts of the Central Pacific.

Warning: Be careful in sectors of the South Pacific where rains have been recurrent in the afternoons, with the presence of humid soils both in low areas and especially in mountainous areas. Be attentive to the development of storm clouds which present their own and significant characteristics such as descending gusts, high precipitation intensity in short periods of time and electrical discharges.

Due to the above, the IMN recommends:

• Caution due to sewage saturation in places prone to this type of flooding.

• 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. These gusts can reach 80 km/h in some isolated cases.

• Stay informed through social networks, Twitter: @IMNCR, Facebook: National Meteorological Institute CR and the WEB Page: www.imn.ac.cr

Jose Pablo Valverde Mora

Meteorologist

DMSA-IMN