Windy Start to the Week in Costa Rica With Heavier Rain Coming Tuesday The week in Costa Rica begins with strong winds and humidity, with significant rainfall expected to arrive on Tuesday, particularly impacting the Caribbean and Northern Zone. Travelers planning activities should adjust their schedules, as the weather conditions will vary across regions. Today’s weather features gusty winds ranging from 60 to 90 km/h (37 to 56 mph) in mountainous areas and 40 to 65 km/h (25 to 40 mph) in lowlands. The Central Valley, including San José, Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago, will experience on-and-off drizzle in the morning, with a higher chance of rain in the afternoon and evening. The Caribbean and Northern Zone will see showers starting early, while the Pacific side remains relatively drier, offering better conditions for sun seekers. Tuesday brings the heaviest rain of the week, driven by Tropical Wave #24. This rain will be most intense in the Caribbean and Northern Zone, where saturated soils from earlier waves increase the risk of flooding and landslides. Areas like Limón, Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Tortuguero, and the northern lowlands should prepare for potential disruptions. For beachgoers, the Pacific coast remains the best option, with Guanacaste, the Nicoya Peninsula, and the Central and South Pacific offering warmer, more stable weather. However, Saharan dust is affecting the region, causing haze and higher temperatures on the Pacific side. The Caribbean coast, while wetter, is recommended for earlier in the week to avoid Tuesday’s heavy rain. Travelers should book flights early, especially domestic routes, as gusty winds and afternoon storms may delay small aircraft. Airports serving wetter regions, such as Tortuguero, Limón, Quepos, and Drake Bay, are particularly vulnerable.#costa_rica #tropical_wave_24 #limon #puerto_viejo #tortuguero
Tropical Wave 24 Keeps Three Costa Rica Regions on Alert Costa Rica’s emergency commission has issued a yellow alert for the Northern Zone, the entire Caribbean slope, and the canton of Turrialba due to the ongoing impact of tropical wave 24 and the intertropical convergence zone. These regions are experiencing heavy rainfall, with saturated ground and overflowing rivers creating significant risks of landslides and flash floods. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for potential evacuations and avoid low-lying zones, steep slopes, or riverbanks. The situation has led to severe disruptions, particularly along Route 32, the primary highway connecting San José to Limón. This road has been repeatedly closed and reopened due to debris falls in the mountainous Zurquí region. Authorities warn that the road may shut down without prior notice, emphasizing the need for travelers to check its status before attempting the drive. Alternative routes, such as Route 10 and the Vara Blanca route (Route 126), are also under strain. Route 10, which serves as a detour between Siquirres and Turrialba, has reopened but remains within the alert zone. Route 126 is only accessible to light vehicles, and drivers are urged to avoid using it for heavy trucks or SUVs. The Bajos de Chilamate–Vuelta de Kooper route is another option, though all alternatives are expected to face delays. A major closure has also occurred on Route 35, the main road leading to Ciudad Quesada, La Fortuna, and Arenal. The bridge over the Tapezco River is fully shut due to structural instability exacerbated by the saturated ground. Inspectors confirmed the bridge is no longer safe for traffic, and the risk of collapse remains high.#costa_rica #tropical_wave_24 #caribbean_slope #turrialba_canton #route_32
