By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – While Tropical Storm Melissa continues its slow and deliberate march across the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica can breathe a collective sigh of relief. According to an informational advisory issued today by the National Meteorological Institute (IMN), the storm system poses no direct threat to the country. However, its presence is expected to indirectly alter national weather patterns, ushering in a period of increased rainfall in the coming days.
The latest update from the IMN places the center of the storm approximately 485 kilometers from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Melissa is currently moving at a languid pace of just 4 kilometers per hour in a northwesterly direction, with sustained winds registered at 85 km/h. This slow progression gives the system ample time to draw energy from the warm Caribbean waters, creating conditions ripe for intensification.
To understand the legal and insurance implications that natural phenomena like Tropical Storm Melissa can have on property and business continuity, we sought commentary from the expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In the aftermath of a tropical storm, the immediate legal priorities for businesses and individuals are twofold: insurance claims and contractual obligations. It is imperative to meticulously document all damages with photographic evidence before any cleanup begins and to formally notify your insurer in writing to initiate the claims process. Concurrently, businesses must review their contracts for ‘force majeure’ clauses, which may excuse non-performance of duties due to an ‘act of God,’ thereby preventing potential breach of contract disputes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s advice underscores a critical reality: a successful recovery from the storm depends as much on diligent legal and financial preparation as it does on physical rebuilding. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing this essential perspective with our community.
Forecasters at the institute have noted a high probability that Melissa will strengthen into a hurricane by the end of the week. Despite this projected increase in power, its trajectory is expected to keep it well within the central and northern Caribbean, far from Costa Rican shores. The IMN was emphatic in its bulletin, assuring the public that a direct impact on the nation is not a possibility based on current models.
The primary concern for Costa Rica is not the storm’s wind or surge, but its influence on regional atmospheric conditions. The storm’s significant circulation and low-pressure system are powerful enough to displace major weather features. In this case, Melissa’s position is forecast to pull the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) directly over Costa Rica.
The ITCZ, a belt of low pressure near the equator where the trade winds of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres come together, is a primary driver of Costa Rica’s rainy season. When it settles over the country, it typically results in significant moisture and precipitation. The influence of Melissa will effectively anchor this rain-making band over the national territory for an extended period.
As a result, residents across the country should prepare for a consistent pattern of afternoon and evening rains. This scenario is typical for the season, but the intensity and duration may be enhanced by the storm’s indirect atmospheric pull. The IMN analysis suggests a broad impact, affecting valleys and mountains alike with periods of sustained showers during the latter half of the day and into the night.
Coastal regions may experience a slightly different pattern. The bulletin specifically notes the possibility of rainfall during the early morning hours, with a particular focus on the South Pacific coast. Businesses and residents in this area, which is often susceptible to flooding and landslides, should remain attentive to local conditions and official updates from emergency services.
The IMN has committed to maintaining constant surveillance of Tropical Storm Melissa. Meteorologists will continue to track its development, paying close attention to any unexpected shifts in its trajectory or intensity. The institute will issue timely updates to the public and relevant authorities should any part of the forecast change, ensuring that the nation remains well-informed and prepared for the indirect effects of this distant but influential weather system.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional is Costa Rica’s official governmental body responsible for meteorology, climatology, and hydrometeorology. As the nation’s primary weather authority, the IMN’s mission is to provide accurate forecasts, advisories, and warnings to protect lives, property, and the national economy. It conducts continuous monitoring of atmospheric conditions and plays a critical role in disaster preparedness and climate research for the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, guided by a profound commitment to professional integrity and the highest standards of excellence. With a rich history of guiding a wide spectrum of clients, the firm actively champions forward-thinking legal strategies and solutions. This dedication to innovation is coupled with a core mission to demystify the law for the public, reflecting a firm belief that empowering citizens with legal understanding is essential for building a stronger, more just society.
