Hurricane Isaias, the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season, is not expected to directly affect Costa Rica as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico toward the southeastern United States, according to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN).

However, the storm could indirectly affect Costa Rica by bringing increased rainfall, the IMN warned.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Isaias strengthened into a hurricane Wednesday night and is forecast to approach the northern U.S. Gulf Coast Friday afternoon, with landfall possible late Friday or early Saturday.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Category 1 hurricane was about 355 miles south of the mouth of the Mississippi River, moving east-northeast at 10 mph. Maximum sustained winds were 85 mph, the hurricane center said.

Current forecast models indicate that the center of Isaias could make landfall anywhere from eastern Mississippi to the western tip of the Florida Panhandle.

The governors of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia declared states of emergency ahead of the storm.

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 U.S. Embassy recently issued a warning to American citizens visiting Costa Rica to take extra precautions during the country's rainy season.

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

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What have you heard about expats affected by Hurricane Isaias as it approaches the U.S.? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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