Costa Rica Updates Weather Advisory Ahead Of Tropical Wave

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Published on Friday, August 14, 2026 at noon.
Updated on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica is expecting increased rainfall this weekend as Tropical Wave No.32 moves across the country, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms to much of the national territory, according to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN).

The weather system is expected to reach Costa Rica on Saturday after moving along Panama’s Caribbean Coast. Meteorologists forecast that the tropical wave will cross the country within about 24 hours.

Although the system is expected to move through relatively quickly, the IMN said moisture left behind by the wave could continue to produce showers through Sunday.

Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve by Monday.

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 60 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 National Commission for Emergencies (CNE) has issued a Yellow Alert for the northern areas of the provinces of Alajuela and Heredia, as well as the Caribbean Coast (Limón Province).

A yellow alert, the second-highest level in Costa Rica’s emergency warning system, means emergency response agencies should prepare for a potentially significant natural event.

Authorities also issued a Green Alert for the southern areas of Alajuela and Heredia, as well as the provinces of San José, Cartago and 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 Friday, authorities had not issued a weather alert for Guanacaste 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 in San José 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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