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Officials urged residents to steer clear of waterways during heavy downpours due to severe flood risks.
Photo courtesy of Costa Rica Fire Department.

Tropical Wave To Bring Unsettled Weather This Weekend



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Published on Friday, September 11, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff




Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across much of Costa Rica this weekend as Tropical Wave No.42 moves through the country, according to the National Meteorological Institute, known as IMN.



The system began affecting Panama’s Caribbean Coast and is expected to cross Costa Rica beginning Friday night, with the passage taking about 24 hours, meteorologists said.



Moisture left behind by the system could bring additional showers through Sunday. Weather conditions are expected to gradually improve Monday, according to the IMN.



The rainfall comes as Costa Rica continues to deal with the effects of recent flooding. The National Emergency Commission, known as CNE, issued a decree declaring a state of emergency in several cantons in the northeastern part of the country affected by flooding.





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 50 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.






The CNE has issued a Green Alert for the provinces of Limón, Alajuela, Heredia, San José, Cartago and the southern areas of Puntarenas.


A Green Alert, the first level of the country’s warning system, requires local emergency committees to closely monitor conditions because of the increased potential for an emergency.



As of Friday, authorities had not issued a weather alert for Guanacaste Province and the northern areas of Puntarenas Province.














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.




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 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 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

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