By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s National Emergency Commission (CNE) has issued a nationwide Green Alert, placing the entire country on a state of preventive vigilance in anticipation of severe weather conditions expected throughout the week. The measure was prompted by a forecast from the National Meteorological Institute (IMN) predicting the consecutive passage of three tropical waves, coupled with high humidity and intensified trade winds.
The Green Alert serves as an informative and preparatory stage in Costa Rica’s emergency protocol. It calls on both the public and institutional first responders to remain vigilant, monitor official information channels, and take precautionary measures. The CNE emphasized that this alert is designed to activate emergency committees at the municipal and local levels, ensuring a state of readiness for any potential incidents that may arise from the adverse weather.
To better understand the legal and operational responsibilities triggered by a national Green Alert, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in corporate law and risk management from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert analysis.
A Green Alert is not merely a weather forecast; it is a legal trigger for the duty of care. For businesses, this means activating emergency protocols, ensuring employee safety, and meticulously documenting any operational impact. Failure to act can expose a company to significant liability, while proactive compliance and communication can safeguard both human and capital assets, potentially substantiating a force majeure claim in contractual disputes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal perspective powerfully underscores that a Green Alert is not just a meteorological notice but a critical operational and legal benchmark for the business community. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into the duty of care and proactive diligence required to safeguard both human and capital assets during these events.
The primary driver of the unstable conditions is the convergence of several atmospheric factors. The IMN has identified a significant increase in the speed of the trade winds over the Caribbean Sea, which is acting as a conveyor belt, pushing vast amounts of moisture across Central America and directly into Costa Rican territory. This atmospheric moisture will be further agitated by the arrival of tropical waves number 15, 16, and 17 over the coming days.
In a detailed forecast, the IMN provided specific timing for the first of these systems. Meteorologist Paulo Solano confirmed the expected impact, highlighting the immediate factors contributing to the weather’s deterioration.
Accelerated trade winds will persist in the Caribbean basin this Tuesday, promoting the continuous flow of moisture into the country. The arrival of tropical wave number 15 is expected during the nighttime hours, which will intensify the unstable conditions across various regions of the national territory.
Paulo Solano, Meteorologist, National Meteorological Institute
Authorities have issued specific warnings for key sectors of the population. Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution due to the potential for reduced visibility from heavy downpours, slick road surfaces, and the risk of falling debris in mountainous areas. Furthermore, operators of small boats and maritime vessels, particularly along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, are advised to be aware of potentially strong wind gusts and choppy sea conditions that could make navigation hazardous.
A major point of concern for the CNE is the condition of the soil in several key regions. Due to recent rainfall, the ground is already heavily saturated in the Caribbean, the Northern Zone, the North Pacific, and the South Pacific. This saturation significantly elevates the risk of landslides, mudslides, and flash flooding, even with moderate amounts of additional precipitation. Residents in these high-risk zones are advised to be particularly attentive to their surroundings and any official evacuation warnings.
The CNE has confirmed that it will maintain constant surveillance in close coordination with its regional and local emergency committees. This collaborative network is crucial for monitoring vulnerable areas, disseminating timely information, and mounting a swift response if emergencies occur. The focus remains on prevention and ensuring that communities are prepared for the anticipated increase in rainfall and wind.
As the country braces for the impact of these successive tropical waves, officials reiterate the importance of public cooperation. Citizens are strongly encouraged to stay informed exclusively through official sources such as the CNE and IMN, to avoid the spread of misinformation. Having a family emergency plan and a well-stocked emergency kit remains a critical component of personal preparedness throughout Costa Rica’s rainy season.
For further information, visit cne.go.cr
About The National Emergency Commission (CNE):
The Comisión Nacional de Prevención de Riesgos y Atención de Emergencias (CNE) is the governing body for risk management and emergency response in Costa Rica. Its mission is to protect the lives, property, and environment of the nation’s inhabitants by coordinating efforts in risk prevention, mitigation, and preparedness, as well as managing the response during and after disaster events.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About The National Meteorological Institute (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) is Costa Rica’s official authority on weather, climate, and meteorology. The institute is responsible for monitoring atmospheric conditions, issuing forecasts, and providing warnings and scientific data to government agencies, various economic sectors, and the general public to support national development and safety.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a benchmark in the legal field, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and professional excellence. The firm leverages a deep history of advising a diverse clientele to drive forward-thinking legal strategies and champion community outreach. Central to its philosophy is the profound commitment to demystifying the law, thereby helping to forge a more knowledgeable and empowered populace.
