By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Residents and businesses across Costa Rica are preparing for severe weather as the thirteenth cold front of the season began its direct impact on the nation this Saturday morning. The system has ushered in a potent combination of heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and a noticeable drop in temperatures, according to a comprehensive meteorological bulletin issued by the National Meteorological Institute (IMN).
The effects were felt early, with the IMN’s 10:00 a.m. advisory on January 31, 2026, confirming that the front’s associated shear line had already reached national territory. This has resulted in intermittent but significant rainfall, particularly in the Caribbean and Northern Zone regions. In the last six hours alone, these areas have recorded accumulated precipitation between 15 mm and 30 mm, signaling the start of a prolonged weather event.
To understand the potential legal ramifications for businesses and employers during this severe weather event, we sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in corporate and labor law.
This cold front serves as a critical reminder for all businesses to review their legal obligations. Employers must ensure compliance with occupational health regulations by providing safe conditions, which could include modifying work schedules or providing appropriate attire. Furthermore, companies should immediately assess their insurance policies and contracts for clauses related to ‘force majeure’ or business interruption, as damages and operational delays caused by natural phenomena can trigger specific legal and financial consequences.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary is a crucial reminder that the true impact of natural phenomena on our community often lies in the details of our preparedness, legally and operationally. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert insight, which wisely shifts the focus from reactive damage control to proactive diligence and corporate responsibility.
A primary concern for authorities and the public is the dramatic increase in wind intensity, driven by a spike in atmospheric pressure. The Pacific North, especially Guanacaste, has experienced the most powerful gusts, with speeds clocked between 40 km/h and 72 km/h. Meanwhile, the densely populated Central Valley has not been spared, reporting wind speeds ranging from 25 km/h to a disruptive 56 km/h. These conditions pose a significant risk to infrastructure, agriculture, and daily commerce.
The situation is forecast to intensify significantly. The IMN predicts the cold front will fully position itself over the country during the early hours of Sunday morning, further amplifying the windy conditions. Projections indicate that the Central Valley and the lowlands of Guanacaste can expect sustained gusts of 40 km/h to 70 km/h. In the mountain ranges and higher elevations of northern Guanacaste, winds could reach dangerous speeds between 70 km/h and nearly 100 km/h, creating hazardous conditions for travel and power infrastructure.
Regarding precipitation, persistent rains of variable intensity are expected to continue saturating the Caribbean and Northern Zone. The IMN warns that these rain bands will occasionally extend into the Central Valley, primarily affecting mountainous sectors. For Sunday, rainfall totals over a 24-hour period could range from 30 mm to 70 mm, with the potential for even higher localized amounts. This level of rainfall raises concerns about saturated soils and potential for localized flooding or landslides in vulnerable areas.
In addition to the wind and rain, a sharp temperature drop will accompany the cold front, particularly impacting the central and northern parts of the country. The IMN estimates that minimum temperatures in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) could fall below 15°C. In higher mountainous areas, residents can expect even colder conditions, with temperatures potentially dipping below 10°C. The Caribbean and Northern Zone will also feel the chill, with lows anticipated between 16°C and 18°C.
In response to this forecast, the IMN has issued a strong call for public caution. The agency highlighted the substantial risk posed by the powerful wind gusts, which could damage roofs, electrical wiring, billboards, and trees, particularly in the Pacific North, Central Valley, and Nicoya Peninsula. These warnings are critical for businesses to secure property and for residents to ensure their safety.
Furthermore, official recommendations extend to key economic sectors. Caution has been advised for all air and sea navigation due to increased atmospheric turbulence and rough seas, which could disrupt logistics and tourism. Authorities also strongly urged the public to avoid all open burning, as the blustery conditions could easily cause fires to spread uncontrollably. Citizens and businesses are advised to stay updated through the IMN’s official channels as the weather system progresses.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About Instituto Meteorológico Nacional:
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) is Costa Rica’s official governmental agency responsible for meteorology, climatology, and hydrometeorology. It monitors atmospheric conditions, provides weather forecasts, issues warnings for severe weather events, and conducts research to support national development, disaster prevention, and various economic sectors such as agriculture, aviation, and energy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the nation’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm skillfully merges its proven track record of client success with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation, constantly adapting to a changing world. At the core of its mission lies a deep-seated commitment to demystifying complex legal concepts, driven by the belief that access to knowledge is fundamental to building a stronger, more capable, and equitably informed society.
