Two weather systems,  Cold Front No. 3 and Tropical Wave No. 44 of the rainy season,  are expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain across Costa Rica this week, according to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN).

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.

On Monday, the cold front was advancing across the northern Caribbean Sea. It is forecast to affect Costa Rica from Tuesday through Thursday.

Meteorologists warned of strong wind gusts ranging from 40 to 80 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 will also increase as Tropical Wave No. 44, part of a series of disturbances that move through the region between May and November, approaches the country. The system is forecast to bring showers and thunderstorms to much of Costa Rica.

As of Monday, the tropical wave was moving across Panama’s Caribbean Coast and is expected to generate widespread downpours and thunderstorms as it travels over Costa Rica.

Although the system is expected to pass within 24 hours, the IMN said lingering humidity could lead to 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.

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) has issued a Yellow Alert for the Caribbean Coast (Limón Province) and the northern areas of Cartago, Alajuela, and Heredia provinces. A Yellow Alert, the agency’s second-highest level, signals that emergency personnel should be ready to respond to an imminent large-scale weather event.

A Green Alert, the first level of warning, is in effect for Guanacaste Province and the Central Valley, including San José and the southwestern parts of Cartago, Alajuela, and Heredia. Under a Green Alert, emergency committees are instructed to monitor the situation closely as there is an elevated risk of flooding or other weather-related emergencies.

No alert has been issued for the Central Pacific Coast (Puntarenas Province).

As of Monday, officials had not announced 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 motorists.

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.

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

Although the two systems are expected to affect the country early 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 encourages readers to share this weather advisory with their networks.