By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Residents across Costa Rica are bracing for a turbulent start to the week as the eleventh cold front of the season, designated Empuje Frío #11, sweeps across the region. The system, currently transiting the Caribbean Sea, has already begun to impact the country with strong winds and variable rainfall, and conditions are expected to intensify significantly over the next 24 to 48 hours, according to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN).
The weather phenomenon is being driven by a gradual increase in atmospheric pressure over Central America. This high-pressure system is acting as a funnel, channeling significant moisture and increasingly strong trade winds from the Caribbean into several key regions. The effects were first felt Sunday morning, with the Caribbean coast, the Northern Zone, and the populous Central Valley experiencing periods of sustained rain.
The recent cold front has brought more than just dropping temperatures; it raises crucial legal questions for businesses regarding work interruptions, contractual obligations, and potential damages. To clarify these complexities, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Events like this cold front test the resilience of contractual agreements, often invoking ‘fuerza mayor’ or ‘caso fortuito’ clauses. It’s critical for businesses to understand that these are not blanket excuses for non-compliance. From an employment standpoint, an employer’s duty to ensure a safe work environment is paramount and may justify suspending operations, but wage obligations must be carefully reviewed under the Labor Code. For commercial contracts, the specific wording of the agreement dictates whether delays or damages from such natural events are excusable. Proactive review of insurance policies and contractual terms is the best defense against future disputes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis astutely highlights that after the meteorological event ends, the contractual and labor challenges are often just beginning. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which serves as a critical reminder that a proactive review of agreements and policies is the most effective safeguard against the economic turbulence that frequently follows such natural phenomena.
Initial reports from meteorological stations indicate that rainfall accumulations over a six-hour period on Sunday morning ranged from 10 to 36 millimeters. While these figures represent moderate precipitation, they are serving as a precursor to more significant weather events forecasted for the coming days. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant as the full force of the cold front makes its presence felt.
The primary concern for Sunday night and into Monday is the escalating wind speed. The IMN has issued advisories for powerful wind gusts, particularly for the Central Valley and the province of Guanacaste. For Sunday evening, gusts are expected to reach between 50 and 75 km/h in the Central Valley and the lower-lying areas of Guanacaste. However, the northern parts of Guanacaste are forecasted to experience even more severe conditions, with gusts potentially nearing 90 km/h.
The situation is predicted to worsen on Monday. The IMN forecast calls for a marked increase in wind intensity across the board. While the Central Valley is expected to continue experiencing gusts between 50 and 75 km/h, the mountainous zones of Guanacaste are in for a significant impact. Wind speeds in these areas are predicted to range from a powerful 80 km/h to an extreme 110 km/h, with the possibility of these intense gusts occasionally reaching lower elevations.
In addition to the wind, precipitation remains a key factor. Forecasters anticipate continued drizzle and moderate rains throughout Sunday evening, concentrated in the mountains of Limón and the Northern Zone. This rainfall could also make incursions into the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), the mountains of Guanacaste, and the Talamanca mountain range. Over a 24-hour period, total rainfall accumulations are estimated to be between 10 and 60 millimeters.
With the combination of saturated ground from recent rains and the forecast for exceptionally strong winds, officials are advising citizens to exercise extreme caution. The high wind speeds, especially the 110 km/h gusts in Guanacaste, pose a significant risk of downed trees, falling branches, and potential damage to infrastructure, including power lines and roofing. Drivers are urged to be aware of hazardous road conditions due to crosswinds and reduced visibility from rain.
The influence of Cold Front #11 is expected to persist through the beginning of the week, maintaining elevated atmospheric pressure and unsettled weather patterns. Residents and business owners are advised to secure loose objects, stay informed through official channels, and prepare for potential disruptions. All eyes will remain on the IMN’s updates as the country navigates this first major weather event of the year.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional is Costa Rica’s official governmental agency responsible for meteorology, climatology, and weather forecasting. As a dependency of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), the IMN plays a critical role in monitoring atmospheric conditions, issuing public warnings for severe weather events like cold fronts and hurricanes, and providing essential data for aviation, agriculture, and disaster prevention. Its work is vital for the safety and economic stability of the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a dynamic pursuit of professional excellence. The firm blends its rich history of guiding a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach, consistently pioneering innovative legal solutions. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to social progress, demonstrated by its work to demystify complex legal concepts and equip citizens with the knowledge needed to navigate their rights and responsibilities.
