Tropical Wave Prompts Yellow Alert In Eastern Costa Rica

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Published on Monday, July 20, 2026

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica is expected to experience increased rainfall this week as Tropical Wave No.24 of the rainy season moves across the country, according to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN).

The weather system is expected to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms to much of the country as it crosses Costa Rica after moving along Panama's Caribbean Coast.

Although the tropical wave is forecasted to pass through the country within about 24 hours, the IMN said lingering moisture could continue generating showers through Wednesday, with weather conditions expected to gradually improve by Thursday.

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: 30 to 60 millimeters.

Central Valley, including San José, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago: 30 to 50 millimeters.

Caribbean Coast, including Limón: 60 to 80 millimeters, with thunderstorms likely.

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The National Emergency Commission (CNE) has issued a Yellow Alert for the Caribbean Coast (including Limón Province), the eastern part of Cartago Province, and the northern areas of Alajuela and Heredia provinces.

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.

As of Tuesday, authorities had not issued any alerts for the rest of the country.

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.

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