Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica’s national weather service, the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN), warned that the indirect effects of Hurricane Melissa will continue to affect Costa Rica at least until Tuesday.
According to the weather advisory, the regions most affected are in the South and Central Pacific.
“The indirect effects of the hurricane remain present in the South Pacific, with heavy downpours and rain beginning this morning and into the morning,” the IMN reported.
“Heavy downpours and continuous rain are reported on the Osa Peninsula, with accumulated rainfall of 10 to 50 millimeters in the last six hours, and maximums of up to 90 millimeters in Puerto Jiménez,” it stated.
Rainfall by region
According to expert forecasters, variable cloudiness and intense downpours are expected over the next few days, especially in the early mornings and early mornings on the South Pacific coasts.
“Variable-intensity rains are forecast for this Sunday over most of the South Pacific, with the heaviest accumulations on the coasts and lowlands of that region,” the Institute stated.
There are also showers with thunderstorms in the mountainous Central Pacific and isolated ones on the coasts.
“Accumulated rainfall over the 12- to 24-hour period is expected to range from 40 to 70 mm, with maximums of 90 to 150 mm, due to the increase in rainfall since early Monday, specifically in the coastal South Pacific,” the IMN stated.
While for the Northern Zone, there will be short-lived, heavy rains in the morning, with isolated showers in the afternoon.
For the Caribbean regions, isolated heavy showers with thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon and evening. Accumulated rainfall is expected between 15 and 40 mm, with maximums of 70 mm.
Regarding the Central Valley, rain is expected, with scattered showers and thunderstorms, as well as the possibility of fog banks at night and early morning.
The North Pacific region will experience this type of precipitation in the southeast of the region. Accumulated rainfall is between 20 and 40 mm, with a maximum of 65 mm.
Read more: Recommendations for drivers during rain and flooding in Costa Rica
Saturated Soils
The IMN also warns that soils in the South Pacific are already saturated, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides, especially in low-lying areas and prone areas such as the Osa Peninsula.
“Special caution is recommended in these areas prone to recurring precipitation events during these days,” the agency warned.
Also recommended:
- Caution in areas prone to flooding, due to the possible saturation of streams or sewage systems due to water accumulation.
- Prevention in the event of a thunderstorm.
- If strong gusts develop or are perceived near storm clouds, it is recommended to seek shelter in a safe location, as tree branches and power lines could fall. These gusts can reach up to 80 km/h (50 mph) in isolated cases.
Hurricane Melissa Category 4
According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa is currently a Category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 220 km/h (140 mph) and a slow westward movement of 6 km/h (3.7 mph).
The system is located approximately 180 kilometers south of Kingston, Jamaica, and continues to strengthen in the central Caribbean.
Although Costa Rica is not directly affected by the cyclone, its proximity keeps the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITC) very active over the country, which is generating atmospheric instability and persistent rain.