By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The National Meteorological Institute reports an increase in downpours and thunderstorms on Tuesday.

It is expected a new tropical storm, the No. 36 of the season, could affect the country on Wednesday.

Costa Rica has two climate seasons, the dry season from December to June and the rainy season from July until November.

According to the Institute, the rains will affect the areas of the Pacific Coast and the Central Valley which consists of the provinces of San José*, Cartago*, Alajuela*, and Heredia*.

"Downpours with rainfall levels between 15-50 mm have been recorded in the Central Valley, the Northern Zone, and the Northern Pacific Coast," said the Institute in its statement. "In the Central Pacific Coast and South Pacific Coast rainfall levels were recorded between 15-60 mm."

Stronger rains and thunderstorms have been registered mainly in the communities of Tres Rios, La Union in the province of Cartago, and Nicoya*, Abangares* in the province of Guanacaste.

Since Sept 9th, as A.M. Costa Rica reported, the National Emergency Commission declared a yellow and green alert due to the tropical storm season.

According to specialists, the areas that have been most affected by heavy rains are in the South Pacific. It has been put on a yellow alert.

Other areas that have been affected, but to a lesser extent, are the north and central areas of the Pacific coast, and the Central Valley which has been put on green alert.

Since August, the increase in rain is due to the presence of the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) over the country.

The ITCZ, known by sailors as the doldrums or the calms due to the dull, windless weather, is the area where the northeast and southeast trade winds converge. The ITCZ appears as a band of clouds, usually thunderstorms, that encircle the globe near the Equator.

Variations in the location of the ITCZ drastically affects the rainfall in many equatorial nations, resulting in the wet and dry seasons of the tropics rather than the cold and warm seasons of higher latitudes.

Longer-term changes in the ITCZ can result in severe droughts or flooding in nearby areas.

Due to the current conditions, people should be alert, especially in areas of high risk due to floods, landslides, or strong wind gusts.

Due to the alerts, specialists recommend:

 - Be alert in areas vulnerable to flooding due to sewer saturation, increased river flow, and landslides.

 - In case of a thunderstorm, take refuge in a safe place.

 - In case of strong wind gusts be alert to possible falling tree branches or electrical cables.

 The authorities ask the public to call 911 to report any possible flooding, falling trees, or landslides.

More updated information can be found at the National Weather Institute of Costa Rica site here.*



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Have tropical storms caused any damage to homes or caused other emergencies in your community?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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