Costa Rica Updates Weather Alert As Cold Front Moves In

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Published on Thursday, February 5, 2026
Updated on Friday, February 6, 2026

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) on Thursday updated the country’s weather alert as Cold Front No.14 continues to affect Costa Rica.

CNE issued a Green Alert, the agency’s first level of warning, for the provices of Limón, Guanacaste, San José, Heredia, Alajuela and Cartago.

Under a Green Alert, local emergency committees are instructed to closely monitor conditions due to an elevated risk of flooding or other weather-related emergencies.

No alert has been issued for the Central Pacific Coast, which includes the central and the southern zone of Puntarenas province.

According to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN), the weather system is increasing the likelihood of strong winds across much of the country.

The cold front has developed along the boundary between cool and warm air masses in the Caribbean Sea, a pattern that commonly produces sudden drops in temperature and gusty winds.

Meteorological experts noted that the cold front season in the Caribbean and Central America typically runs from late November through March, with the most intense activity occurring between December and February.

Forecasters said the weather system was crossing Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula on Wednesday and continuing toward the Caribbean. While the cold front is not expected to directly affect Costa Rica, it is contributing to increased wind activity nationwide.

Windy conditions began Thursday night and are expected to continue through Saturday, with improvements forecast by Sunday.

IMN warned that higher-elevation areas, particularly along the Central Volcanic Mountain Range, could experience wind gusts of up to 50 mph. Temperatures in those regions may drop by approximately 40°F (4°C).

The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) issued a precautionary notice for Route 32, the main highway linking the provinces of San José and Limón. Officials warned that overnight closures are possible due to the risk of fallen trees caused by strong winds.

Drivers are encouraged to consider alternate routes, including Route 10 through Turrialba Canton in Cartago Province and onward to Siquirres Canton in Heredia Province, before rejoining Route 32 toward Limón. Traffic updates will be shared through MOPT’s official social media channels.

The CNE advised residents to take the following precautions:

Secure roofs and be alert for possible damage to power lines, signs and trees due to strong wind gusts.

Small boats should avoid sailing because of the risk of stronger waves.

Avoid small aircraft flights that cross mountainous areas due to increased high winds.

Refrain from controlled burning, as strong winds can cause even small fires to spread rapidly.

Call 911 to report any immediate threat to life or property.

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 urged readers to share the official weather advisory to help raise public awareness.

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Has the recent windy weather caused any emergencies in your town? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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