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Photo courtesy of Costa Rica Red Cross.

Tropical Wave Expected To Bring Heavy Rain Across Costa Rica



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Published on Tuesday, June 16, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff





Rainfall is expected to increase across Costa Rica on Tuesday as the 12th tropical wave of the rainy season moves through the country, according to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN).





Meteorologists said the weather system was moving along Panama's Caribbean Coast on Monday and is forecast to reach Costa Rica by Tuesday evening, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms to much of the country.



The tropical wave is expected to cross Costa Rica within about 24 hours. However, moisture left behind by the system could continue generating showers through Wednesday, with weather conditions gradually improving by Thursday.



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



The IMN has repeatedly noted that an active ITCZ creates unstable atmospheric conditions that favor widespread rain and thunderstorms throughout the country.




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: 20 to 50 millimeters.



  • Central Valley, including San José, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago: 20 to 40 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.


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.

Costa Rica has a tropical and subtropical climate with two primary seasons. The dry season, commonly known 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 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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