The National Emergency Commission (CNE) on Sunday raised the country’s weather alert due to expected heavy rains caused by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), even though Hurricane Melissa is not forecast to impact Costa Rica directly.

Hurricane Melissa intensified into a Category 5 storm, the strongest classification, early Monday, according to the U.S.-based National Hurricane Center (NHC).  It had maximum sustained winds of 160 mph and was moving west at about 3 mph. The storm was about 135 miles southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and it is expected to make landfall on Tuesday before crossing Cuba and the Bahamas through Wednesday.

Last week, the National Meteorological Institute (IMN) reported that Melissa was not expected to make landfall or directly affect Costa Rica. However, forecast models indicated the storm had reached its closest point to the country on Sunday.

Meteorologists said the ITCZ, a belt of low pressure near the equator that often generates storm activity, is currently stretching across Costa Rica from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, intensifying local rainfall.

Rainfall forecasts by region include:

• Central Mountain Range: 50 to 150 millimeters (2–6 inches), with the heaviest rain at higher elevations.

• Pacific Coast (Guanacaste, Puntarenas): 40 to 70 millimeters (1.5–3 inches).

• Central Valley (San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago): 20 to 40 millimeters (0.8–1.5 inches).

• Caribbean Coast (Limón): 15 to 40 millimeters (0.6–1.5 inches).

The CNE issued an Orange Alert, the second-highest level on the emergency scale, for the provinces of Guanacaste and Puntarenas. The alert indicates a continued risk of heavy rainfall and flooding, keeping emergency teams on standby for worsening conditions.

A Yellow Alert, the third-highest level, was issued for the provinces of Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago and San José. The alert urges local response units to stay ready for potential large-scale weather impacts.

The Caribbean province of Limón is under a Green Alert, the lowest advisory level, advising local emergency committees to stay vigilant for possible incidents.

As of Sunday, a Red Alert, the highest level, had not been issued beyond those already in place.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) has issued a precautionary notice for Route 32, the main highway between San José and Limón.

Officials warn that overnight closures are possible due to heavy rainfall and landslide risks. Drivers are urged to consider alternate routes, such as Route 10 through Turrialba Canton (Cartago) and on to Siquirres Canton  (Heredia), before rejoining Route 32 toward Limón. Traffic updates will be shared through MOPT’s official social media channels.

Authorities are advising residents to take the following precautions:

• Avoid rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water during heavy rain.

• In mountain areas, watch for landslides and falling debris.

• Households and businesses in flood-prone zones should review evacuation plans.

• Drivers should beware of flooding, slick roads, and low visibility.

• Stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid electronic devices.

• Watch for strong winds that could bring down trees or power lines.

• Call 911 to report flooding, landslides, or fallen trees.

IMN is a government agency responsible for issuing weather forecasts, hazardous weather warnings, and related services to protect the public and inform organizations.

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 encourages readers to share this weather advisory with family, friends, and neighbors.