The National Emergency Commission (CNE) on Tuesday raised the country’s weather alert as Cold Front No.3 continues to affect Costa Rica.

The cold front was advancing across the northern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday and is expected to influence the country’s weather through Thursday, according to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN). Conditions are projected to improve by Friday.

The cold front season in the Caribbean Sea and Central America typically runs from late November through March, peaking between December and February. Cold fronts form along the boundary between cool and warm air masses, often triggering sharp temperature drops, gusty winds, and thunderstorms as they move through the region.

Meteorologists warned of strong wind gusts ranging from 30 to 62 mph, especially in high-elevation areas such as the Central Volcanic Mountain Range.

Despite the gusty conditions, temperatures are expected to remain steady,  from about 35°F (2°C) in the highest parts of the mountains to around 80°F (27°C) along the Pacific Coast (Guanacaste and Puntarenas provinces).

Rainfall also increased on Tuesday due to the passage of Tropical Wave No. 44. Although the system was moving through within 24 hours, experts warned that lingering humidity could trigger additional showers through Wednesday.

Experts noted that the storm activity is being fueled by the Intertropical Convergence Zone,  a belt of low pressure near the equator that commonly produces rain and thunderstorms. The zone currently stretches across Costa Rica from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea.

CNE issued a Green Alert, the agency’s first level of warning, for the southern zone of Puntarenas Province, Guanacaste Province, and the Central Valley ( including San José and the southwestern areas of Cartago, Alajuela, and Heredia). 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.

A Yellow Alert remains in effect for the Caribbean coast (Limón Province) and the northern areas of Cartago, Alajuela, and Heredia. The Yellow Alert ( CNE’s second-highest level) means emergency personnel should be prepared to respond to a potential large-scale weather event.

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

As of Tuesday, officials had not declared any Orange or Red Alerts related to the current weather systems.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) reminded drivers that Route 32 (the main highway linking San José and Limón) remains closed while crews remove a massive rock measuring more than seven meters high and weighing over two tons near kilometer 31. The boulder sits on unstable ground that has softened due to heavy rains, posing a serious risk to drivers.

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.

• Avoid controlled burning, as strong winds can cause even a small fire to spread quickly.
  

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

Although the cold front is affecting the country this week, experts said the final rainy days of the current green season will gradually give way to sunnier, warmer weather across Costa Rica in November.

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 urges readers to share this official weather advisory to help spread awareness.