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Authorities said more than 1,000 people and numerous pets remain in temporary shelters as a precaution following last week's flooding. Photo courtesy of the National Emergency Commission (CNE).

Heavy Rain Forecast Across Costa Rica As Tropical Wave Moves In

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Published on Monday, July 27, 2026

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica is expected to see increased rainfall this week as Tropical Wave No.26 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 forecast to reach Costa Rica on Tuesday after tracking along Panama's Caribbean Coast. Meteorologists expect the tropical wave to cross the country within about 24 hours.

Although the system is expected to move through relatively quickly, the IMN said lingering moisture could continue producing showers through Wednesday, with weather conditions gradually improving by Thursday.

The latest system follows the passage of Tropical Wave No.25, which moved across Costa Rica during the night and early morning hours of Sunday. It was the second tropical wave to affect the country in less than a week. Authorities said the system was weaker than expected and did not cause significant damage.

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.

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The National Emergency Commission (CNE) has maintained a Yellow Alert for the Caribbean Coast (including Limón Province), the eastern part of Cartago Province, and the northern areas of Alajuela and Heredia provinces.

A Yellow Alert, the second level in Costa Rica's emergency warning system, indicates that emergency response agencies should prepare for a potentially significant natural event.

As of Sunday, authorities had not issued any alerts for the rest of the country.

According to the CNE, as of Friday, more than 1,000 people and a large number of pets were staying in 11 temporary shelters as a precaution following flooding that occurred last week, primarily in the Sarapiquí Canton in Heredia Province and the northern zone of Limón 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.

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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Have recent rains caused emergencies in your community? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com