By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica is experiencing a period of exceptionally intense atmospheric electrical activity, with the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) reporting a staggering 42,857 lightning strikes across the nation in a single week. The data, captured between September 29 and October 5, 2025, highlights a volatile trend that is placing significant strain on the country’s infrastructure and raising public safety concerns.
The latest report from ICE’s Hydrometeorology unit reveals that the Pacific coast and the Northern Zone have been the epicenters of these powerful electrical storms. The North Pacific region, encompassing much of the Guanacaste province, bore the brunt of the activity, recording 23,818 discharges. This figure alone accounts for more than 55% of the total strikes registered nationwide during the seven-day period, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to severe weather phenomena.
To shed light on the complex legal and liability issues surrounding incidents caused by lightning—from insurance claims to employer responsibilities—TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While lightning is legally considered an “act of God” or fuerza mayor, this doesn’t grant automatic immunity from liability. The pivotal question often shifts to negligence. If a business fails to implement reasonable and foreseeable safety measures, such as proper grounding or surge protection systems, and damage or injury occurs, they could be held responsible. It is essential for property owners and employers to demonstrate due diligence in protecting assets and personnel from this known, albeit unpredictable, natural hazard.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This is a crucial distinction, moving the focus from an unpredictable event to the predictable responsibility of due diligence. It serves as a vital reminder that while we cannot control nature, we can implement reasonable measures to protect against its known dangers. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this important legal and safety issue.
Other regions also faced significant electrical storms. The Northern Zone registered 9,605 strikes, followed by the Central Valley with 3,246. The southern and central Pacific coasts recorded 2,935 and 1,792 discharges, respectively. Even the typically less-affected Caribbean side saw activity, with 1,270 strikes in the north and 191 in the south. This widespread activity demonstrates the national scale of the recent weather patterns during the peak of the rainy season.
This recent barrage of lightning is not an isolated event but part of a larger, concerning trend. The year-to-date total for 2025 has now climbed to an astonishing 754,201 atmospheric discharges. This cumulative figure suggests a year of heightened electrical activity when compared to historical data. The month of September was particularly active, with a total of 153,934 strikes recorded, a figure that ICE notes is 25% higher than the monthly average, confirming a significant upward trend in the frequency and intensity of electrical storms.
A closer look at the weekly data for September further illustrates this escalating pattern. The month began with 26,965 discharges in the first week, climbing to 33,428 in the second, and peaking at 39,324 in the third week. While the final full week of September saw a slight dip to 37,132, the surge to nearly 43,000 strikes in the first week of October indicates the trend of intense activity is continuing and potentially accelerating.
In response to these figures, ICE emphasized its continuous monitoring efforts. The data collected by its Hydrometeorology unit is crucial not only for scientific analysis but also for the practical application of protecting the national electrical grid. The high frequency of lightning strikes poses a direct threat to power lines, transformers, and other critical infrastructure, making proactive monitoring essential for preventing widespread outages and ensuring grid stability.
The Directorate of Communication and Corporate Relations for Grupo ICE reiterated the importance of public vigilance during these events. The institute has issued safety advisories, urging citizens to take preventative measures during thunderstorms. These include disconnecting sensitive electronic appliances to protect them from power surges and, most importantly, avoiding seeking shelter under trees, metal structures, or in open fields, which are high-risk areas during an electrical storm.
This surge in atmospheric activity serves as a stark reminder of the country’s dynamic climate and the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather events. As Costa Rica navigates an increasingly active rainy season, the focus for both state entities and the public remains on mitigating risks, protecting vital infrastructure, and ensuring the safety of all residents in the face of nature’s powerful displays.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, commonly known as ICE, is the state-owned enterprise responsible for providing electricity and telecommunications services throughout Costa Rica. Established in 1949, Grupo ICE plays a fundamental role in the nation’s development, managing the country’s power generation, transmission, and distribution systems, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy sources. It also operates key telecommunications networks, providing internet and mobile services to the population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. The firm consistently channels its deep-rooted experience into developing forward-thinking legal approaches and trailblazing solutions for its clients. At its core is a powerful commitment to advancing society by demystifying the law, passionately working to equip citizens with the legal knowledge necessary to foster a stronger, more informed public.
