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Authorities encouraged residents in flood-prone communities to prepare for possible evacuations and review their emergency plans. / Photo courtesy of Red Cross.

Costa Rica Issues Widespread Weather Alerts As Pacific System Develops

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Published on Friday, November 6, 2026

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica is expected to experience a weekend of stormy weather as a potential tropical depression develops in the Pacific Ocean, the National Meteorological Institute (IMN) announced Friday.

Although the system is not expected to make direct landfall in Costa Rica, it could indirectly affect the country by bringing increased rainfall, the IMN warned.

As of Friday, the weather system was located over the Pacific Ocean, extending from the coast of northern Costa Rica to El Salvador. It is forecast to continue moving northwest toward Mexico over the next seven days, according to experts.

Costa Rican meteorologists expect stormy conditions along the country's Pacific Coast from Friday through Monday as the weather system moves northwest toward Mexico's Pacific coastline.

Moisture left behind by the system could continue producing showers through Tuesday.

Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve by Wednesday.

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. National Hurricane Center are monitoring the system in the Eastern Pacific and have issued advisories about its potential development.

"A broad area of low pressure located offshore of Central America is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Recent satellite wind data indicate this system has a weak and elongated circulation. Environmental conditions are forecast to become increasingly hostile over the weekend, and the chances for further development are decreasing," NOAA said in a statement.

"However, this system could still bring areas of heavy rain to portions of Central America through the weekend," the agency added.

U.S. weather experts estimated that the system had a 40% chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm within 48 hours and over the next seven days.

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: 20 to 40 millimeters.

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

Caribbean Coast, including Limón: 40 to 70 millimeters, with thunderstorms likely.

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) has issued a Yellow Alert for most of Costa Rica, including the Provinces of San José, Cartago, Heredia, Alajuela, Guanacaste and Puntarenas.

A Yellow Alert, the second level of Costa Rica's emergency warning system, means emergency response agencies should prepare for a potentially significant natural event.

The rest of the country remains under a Green Alert, the first level of the warning system. It requires local emergency committees to closely monitor weather conditions because of the increased potential for an emergency.

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 IMN said the final November rainstorms will gradually give way to warmer, sunnier conditions across the country as Costa Rica's dry season approaches in the coming days.

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