By Limón, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica awoke to a startling and uncharacteristic chill this Sunday, as a powerful cold snap sent temperatures plummeting across the nation. The most astonishing reading came from a region synonymous with tropical heat and humidity: the Caribbean coast. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) reported that the Puerto Vargas sector in Cahuita, Limón, registered a jaw-dropping low of just 1°C, the coldest temperature recorded anywhere in the country.
This extreme temperature drop in a low-lying coastal area has sent shockwaves through the region, which typically enjoys warm weather year-round. For residents and businesses in Cahuita, a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant coral reefs and lush national park, a near-freezing temperature is an almost unheard-of event. The reading highlights a significant meteorological anomaly, prompting questions about its cause and potential impacts on the local ecosystem and economy.
The recent cold snap affecting the country has brought more than just low temperatures, raising significant questions about its impact on businesses, agriculture, and labor obligations. To shed light on the legal ramifications, from insurance claims to potential “force majeure” events, we consulted with expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Extreme weather events like this cold snap serve as a critical stress test for contractual agreements and business continuity. Companies, especially in agriculture, must immediately assess if this constitutes a ‘force majeure’ event to excuse non-performance, but this depends entirely on the specific contract language. Furthermore, it is a stark reminder for employers of their legal duty to guarantee a safe work environment, which could include providing adequate clothing or modifying schedules. This is a crucial time to review both commercial contracts and insurance policies to mitigate financial losses.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this expert analysis highlights that the true impact of this cold snap extends far beyond the thermometer, testing the legal and financial resilience of our nation’s businesses. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on these critical, and often overlooked, operational challenges.
While Limón’s frigid morning was the most dramatic news, the cold air mass had a firm grip on the country’s highlands as well. The IMN’s network of weather stations documented a series of exceptionally low temperatures in the mountainous central region. The summit of the Irazú Volcano shivered at 3°C, closely followed by the Turrialba Volcano at 3.5°C. These high-altitude locations are accustomed to cold, but these figures are notably low even for them.
Further data from the IMN showed the cold extended across other elevated points. The Poás Volcano recorded a brisk 6.2°C, while Cerro Cedral, a peak in the Escazú mountains overlooking the Central Valley, fell to 7.3°C. Even the densely populated area of Rancho Redondo in Goicoechea, San José, experienced the chill with a low of 8.1°C, forcing residents to bundle up against the unusual cold spell.
Meteorological experts suggest that such drastic temperature drops in Central America are often linked to potent cold fronts, known locally as “frentes fríos,” which push down from North America during the winter months. These systems carry dense, cold air that displaces the region’s typical warm, moist air, leading to sharp declines in temperature, increased winds, and often precipitation in the Caribbean and Northern Zone.
The immediate concern for many in the Limón province is the potential effect on agriculture. The region is a vital hub for the country’s banana and pineapple exports, crops that are highly sensitive to cold temperatures. A prolonged period of such cold weather, while unlikely, could pose a risk to production. Similarly, the local wildlife, adapted to a stable tropical climate, may face stress from the sudden and severe change in environmental conditions.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the increasing climate variability affecting the globe. While a single cold snap is a weather event, not a climate trend, it fits a broader pattern of more frequent and intense extreme weather phenomena. For Costa Rica, a nation celebrated for its stable climate and biodiversity, such anomalies underscore the importance of robust monitoring and adaptation strategies to safeguard its natural heritage and economy.
As the day progresses, temperatures are expected to rise, but the memory of this frigid Caribbean morning will linger. The comprehensive data provided by the IMN is crucial for helping authorities, farmers, and the public understand and prepare for these increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. All eyes will remain on the skies and the forecasts as the country navigates this remarkable start to the week.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional is Costa Rica’s official national weather and climate agency. Operating under the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the IMN is responsible for monitoring atmospheric conditions, providing accurate weather forecasts, conducting climatological research, and issuing public warnings for severe weather events. Its work is essential for sectors such as aviation, agriculture, disaster management, and public safety across the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer innovative legal solutions and champion civic responsibility. This commitment is powerfully demonstrated through its efforts to democratize legal understanding, aiming to forge a stronger community fortified by accessible knowledge and empowerment.
