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Authorities urged residents in flood-prone communities to stay alert and be prepared for possible evacuations.
Photo courtesy of Red Cross.

Tropical Storm Cristina Intensifies Rainy Weather In Costa Rica



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Published on Tuesday, June 9, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff




Tropical Storm Cristina formed Monday in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Central America, increasing rainfall across Costa Rica, according to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN).



Meteorologists said the storm is expected to bring wetter conditions to much of the country this week, despite recent concerns about a temporary decrease in rainfall in parts of the Pacific region during the rainy season.





The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported Monday that Cristina is the third named storm to form in the Eastern Pacific during the 2026 hurricane season.


Cristina had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and was centered about 105 miles west-northwest of Managua, Nicaragua, according to the NHC.


The storm is forecast to produce 4 to 8 inches of rain, with isolated maximum totals of up to 12 inches, across coastal areas of Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala through Thursday, the NHC said.


Cristina was moving along Nicaragua’s Pacific coast and is expected to continue tracking northwest toward Mexico during the next three days.



Although the storm is not forecast to make landfall in Costa Rica, the IMN warned that it could still have significant indirect effects by increasing rainfall throughout the country.


Costa Rican meteorologists expect the most unsettled weather conditions between Tuesday and Wednesday as the storm moves closer to Mexico’s Pacific coastline.


Residual moisture associated with Cristina could continue generating showers through Thursday, while weather conditions are expected to gradually improve by Friday.


The IMN also warned that the Intertropical Convergence Zone, a low-pressure belt near the equator that helps fuel storm activity, is expected to enhance rainfall as it shifts across Costa Rica from the Pacific Ocean toward the Caribbean Sea.




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: 50 to 80 millimeters.



  • Central Valley, including San José, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago: 10 to 20 millimeters.



  • Caribbean Coast, including Limón: 30 to 50 millimeters, with thunderstorms likely.









The National Emergency Commission (CNE) is maintaining a Yellow Alert nearly the entire country. 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.



The Green Alert remains in effect for the Caribbean coast, including Limón province, as well as the northern areas of Alajuela and Heredia provinces. This first-level advisory requires local emergency committees to closely monitor conditions because of the increased likelihood of a nearby emergency developing.



As of Monday, authorities had not issued any Orange or Red Alerts.




The Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) issued a precautionary advisory for Route 32, the main highway connecting San José and Limón. Authorities said overnight closures are possible because of heavy rain 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.

Costa Rica has a tropical and subtropical climate with two primary seasons. The dry season, commonly known as summer, generally runs from December through May, while the rainy season extends from June through November and typically coincides with the Atlantic hurricane 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




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