Costa Rica's National Emergency Commission (CNE) has expanded a weather alert across the country as two tropical waves are expected to bring additional rainfall throughout the remainder of the week.

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.

According to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN), Tropical Wave No.15 was approaching Panama's Caribbean Coast on Monday and is expected to reach Costa Rica on Tuesday evening.

Forecasters said the system could generate heavier rainfall Tuesday night, with showers and thunderstorms continuing for at least 24 hours into Wednesday.

Meteorologists are also monitoring Tropical Wave No.16, which was located off Brazil's Atlantic Coast. The system is expected to reach Costa Rica by Friday and could affect weather conditions through Saturday.

Even after the wave passes, lingering moisture may continue to produce showers through Sunday, with conditions expected to gradually improve next Monday.

The IMN forecast the following rainfall totals across the country:

• Central Mountain Range: 40 to 80 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: 30 to 60 millimeters, with thunderstorms likely.

In response to the forecast, the CNE expanded a Green Alert across the entire country. The first-level advisory requires local emergency committees to closely monitor conditions because of the increased likelihood that an emergency situation could develop.

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.

Despite the weather pattern, meteorologists said the seasonal phenomenon known as the "Veranillo de San Juan," which is associated with the "Dog Days of Summer" in North America, is expected to reduce rainfall and bring more sunshine during the remainder of the month.

The National Emergency Commission (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 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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