Costa Rica is expected to experience increased rainfall this week as the tropical wave No.19 of the rainy season moves across the country, according to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN).

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 weather system was moving along Panama’s Caribbean Coast on Wednesday and is crossing Costa Rica on Thursday, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms to much of the country.

Although the tropical wave is expected to pass within 24 hours, the IMN said lingering moisture could continue generating showers through Friday, with weather conditions gradually improving by Saturday.

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.

The National Emergency Commission (CNE) holds 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.

This week, the U.S. Embassy in San José issued a warning to American citizens visiting Costa Rica to take extra precautions during the country's rainy season.

In a related weather update, the National Meteorological Institute (IMN) recently reported that the seasonal weather pattern known as the "Veranillo de San Juan," which is comparable to the "Dog Days of Summer" in North America, reduced rainfall during the final two weeks of June.

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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