The 23rd tropical wave of the green season is expected to pass across Costa Rica this week.

On Wednesday, the natural phenomenon was crossing Panama's Caribbean Coast. It is likely to hit Costa Rica on Thursday, August 8, announced the National Institute of Meteorology.


The country may endure even heavier downpours on Thursday, which might last 24 hours till Friday, August 9. The weather prediction might improve by Saturday, August 10.

Furthermore, rain has increased as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ICZ) spans from the Central American Pacific Coast and extends into the Caribbean Coast. It is commonly referred to as the doldrums or the calms, and it occurs when the northeast and southeast trade winds converge, resulting in a lack of breeze.

Rainfall is expected to vary from 40 to 70 mm on the Pacific Coast (Guanacaste and Puntarenas).


Showers may continue between 20 and 40 mm in the provinces of San José, Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago.


In the Caribbean Coast (Limón Province), rains are expected to range between 30 and 60 mm.

The National Emergency Commission maintains the Green Alert throughout the country. This first-level of warning directs emergency committees to keep informed of how the natural event is developing. It indicates that there is an elevated probability that an emergency will develop nearby.


As of Tuesday, no yellow, orange or red weather warnings have been issued.

According to experts, Costa Rica might be hit by three tropical cyclones this year.

Experts recommend the following preventive measures:

• In the case of downpours, stay away from rivers, lakes and other bodies of water.
  
  
• People living in mountain areas should take preventive measures against landslides or material falling from the hills.

• Those under alert should have an emergency evacuation plan in their community, work and home.
  

• Drivers must increase precautions for heavy rain and fog.

• Take precautionary measures in case of thunderstorms, such as taking refuge in a safe place and avoiding direct use of electronic equipment, electrical appliances or electrical cords.

• Stay alert about vulnerable areas to flooding due to sewer saturation or an increase in river flow.

• In case of strong gusts of wind, be on alert for possible falling trees or electrical wires.

• In the event of a landslide, do not walk on the debris, stay away from affected areas and do not return home until authorities verify that it is a safe place.
  

• Stay informed about the alerts issued by authorities.

• Call 911 to report any possible flooding, fallen trees or landslides.
  

A.M. Costa Rica urges readers to share this alert with their communities.  

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What have you heard about other communities impacted by excessive rain?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com