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Authorities urged residents to avoid rivers and lakes during periods of heavy rain due to the high risk of flooding.
Photo courtesy of Costa Rica Fire Department.

Costa Rica Braces For Heavy Rain As Two Tropical Waves Move In

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Published on Friday, September 18, 2026

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica is expected to see increased rainfall this weekend as Tropical Waves No.44 and No.45 move across the region, according to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN).

The IMN said Tropical Wave No.44 is expected to reach Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast on Friday. Forecasters said the system could bring heavier rainfall beginning Friday night, with showers and thunderstorms expected to continue for at least 24 hours into Saturday.

Meteorologists are also monitoring Tropical Wave No.45, which was located off Brazil's Atlantic Coast. The system is forecast to reach Costa Rica by Sunday and could continue affecting weather conditions through Monday.

Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve by Tuesday.

The rainfall comes as Costa Rica continues to deal with the effects of recent flooding. The National Emergency Commission, known as CNE, issued a decree declaring a state of emergency in several cantons in the northeastern part of the country affected by flooding.

The IMN forecast the following rainfall totals across the country:

Central Mountain Range: 50 to 100 millimeters, with the heaviest rainfall expected at higher elevations.

Pacific Coast, including Guanacaste Province and Puntarenas Province: 30 to 50 millimeters.

Central Valley, including San José, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago: 30 to 50 millimeters.

Caribbean Coast, including Limón: 60 to 80 millimeters, with thunderstorms likely.

The CNE has maintained a Green Alert for the provinces of Limón, Alajuela, Heredia, San José, Cartago and the southern areas of Puntarenas.

A Green Alert, the first level of the country’s warning system, requires local emergency committees to closely monitor conditions because of the increased potential for an emergency.

As of Thursday, authorities had not issued a weather alert for Guanacaste Province and the northern areas of Puntarenas Province.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) is maintaining a precautionary advisory for Route 32, the main highway linking San José and Limón. Authorities warned that overnight closures remain possible because of heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides.

Drivers were advised to use alternate routes, including Route 10 through Turrialba canton (Cartago) and onward to Siquirres canton (Heredia), before reconnecting with Route 32 toward Limón. MOPT said it will post traffic updates through its official social media channels.

Authorities urged residents to take several precautions during the storm, including:

Avoid rivers and lakes during periods of heavy rain.

Monitoring mountainous areas for landslides and falling debris.

Residents in flood-prone communities are urged to review evacuation plans.

Drivers were warned to watch for flooding, slippery roads and reduced visibility.

Remain alert for strong winds that could bring down trees or power lines.

Stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid using electronic devices during lightning activity.

Call 911 to report flooding, landslides or fallen trees.

Costa Rica has a tropical and subtropical climate with two primary seasons. The dry season, commonly referred to as summer, typically runs from December through May. The rainy season extends from June through November and generally coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season.

The CNE recently issued an alert for parts of the Pacific Coast due to an anticipated reduction in rainfall. However, meteorologists cautioned that the arrival of tropical waves can still trigger periods of heavy precipitation across much of the national territory.

The U.S. Embassy recently issued a warning to American citizens visiting Costa Rica to take extra precautions during the country's rainy season.

The IMN is Costa Rica’s government agency responsible for issuing weather forecasts, hazardous weather warnings and related public safety information.

CNE works in partnership with communities and emergency responders to strengthen the nation’s preparedness, response, and recovery from natural hazards.

MOPT is the government agency responsible for managing the country’s roads, ports, and airports, as well as overseeing public transportation policy.

A.M. Costa Rica encouraged readers to share the weather advisory with their networks

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Have recent rains caused emergencies in your community? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com