Costa Rica is expected to experience increased rainfall this weekend as the fourth tropical wave of the rainy season moves across the country, according to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN).

The weather system was moving along Panama’s Caribbean Coast Saturday and is forecast to reach Costa Rica by Sunday, 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 Monday, with weather conditions gradually improving by Tuesday.

Meteorologists said the Intertropical Convergence Zone, a low-pressure belt near the equator that fuels storm activity, is also expected to intensify rainfall as it shifts over Costa Rica from the Pacific Ocean toward the Caribbean region.

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, while the rainy season extends from June through November and generally aligns with the Atlantic hurricane season.

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) issued a Green Alert, the agency’s first level of warning for the Caribbean Coast (Limón Province).

Under a Green Alert, local emergency committees are instructed to closely monitor conditions due to an elevated risk of flooding or other weather-related emergencies.

No alert has been issued for the rest of the country.

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 precautions during the storm, including avoiding rivers and lakes during periods of heavy rain, monitoring mountainous areas for landslides and falling debris, and reviewing evacuation plans in flood-prone communities.

Drivers were also advised to watch for flooding, slippery roads and reduced visibility, and to remain alert for strong winds that could bring down trees or power lines.

Residents were urged to remain indoors during thunderstorms and avoid using electronic devices during lightning activity.

Officials asked the public to call 911 to report flooding, landslides or fallen trees.

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 family members, friends and neighbors.

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