By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s National Meteorological Institute (IMN) has issued a significant weather advisory for Monday afternoon, warning of intense rainfall and potential flash flooding across the country’s densely populated Central Valley and the entire Pacific slope. The alert signals a considerable risk of disruption to commerce, logistics, and daily operations for businesses located in these critical economic regions.
The forecast, released on the morning of December 8, 2025, points to a volatile combination of atmospheric conditions. High humidity levels, coupled with warm daytime temperatures and a notable absence of the typical trade winds, are creating an unstable environment. This atmospheric setup is conducive to the rapid development of powerful, isolated storm cells, increasing the likelihood of sudden and severe downpours in urban and commercial centers.
To understand the legal ramifications and responsibilities that arise from a national weather warning, from employer obligations to insurance claims, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond the immediate safety concerns, a national weather alert activates significant legal and financial responsibilities. Businesses must ensure they are complying with labor laws regarding employee safety, which may include suspending operations. Furthermore, this is a critical moment for both individuals and companies to review their insurance policies to understand the scope of coverage for damages caused by flooding or landslides. Documenting your property’s condition beforehand can be crucial in a future claim process.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal and financial dimensions outlined here are a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of storm preparedness. This advice serves as a powerful reminder that true safety involves not only enduring the weather event but also ensuring a stable recovery afterward. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on these essential considerations.
According to the IMN’s technical brief, rainfall accumulations are expected to range between 20 mm and 50 mm in most affected areas. However, the agency warns that localized, more intense pockets of precipitation could deliver up to 70 mm (approximately 2.75 inches) of rain in a short period. These specific high-risk zones include parts of Guanacaste, various communities along the Pacific coast, and areas bordering the Central Valley.
The primary concern for businesses and municipal authorities is the high potential for sewer system saturation. Such intense rainfall rates can quickly overwhelm urban drainage infrastructure, leading to localized flooding and impassable roads. This poses a direct threat to ground-level commercial properties, inventories stored in basements, and the safe commute of employees. Supply chain and delivery services are also likely to face significant delays.
While the Central Valley and Pacific regions are on high alert, other parts of the country face a different outlook. The mountainous areas of the Northern Zone are expected to experience moderate rainfall, but not until the late afternoon and early evening. In stark contrast, Costa Rica’s Caribbean region is forecast to enjoy stable conditions, characterized by minimal cloud cover and no significant precipitation, offering a potential, albeit indirect, route for logistical operations avoiding the storm zones.
The IMN is urging the business community and the general public to exercise a high degree of caution. The sudden nature of these weather events, driven by diurnal heating, means that conditions can deteriorate rapidly with little advance notice. Businesses are advised to review their emergency preparedness plans, secure vulnerable assets, and ensure communication channels with their staff are open and effective.
In its official communication, the meteorological institute stressed the importance of staying informed through its official channels. Real-time updates and revised warnings will be disseminated via the IMN website as well as its accounts on X, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Proactive monitoring of these official sources is crucial for making timely decisions regarding operational adjustments, employee safety, and the protection of commercial assets throughout Monday afternoon.
This alert serves as a critical reminder of the economic impact of severe weather. Even short-lived flooding events can cause significant financial losses through property damage, business interruption, and logistical bottlenecks. As the afternoon progresses, all stakeholders in the Central Valley and Pacific regions are advised to prioritize safety and preparedness in response to the developing meteorological threat.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional is Costa Rica’s official government body responsible for meteorology, climatology, and weather forecasting. As a key national institution, the IMN monitors atmospheric conditions, conducts scientific research, and issues timely warnings and advisories to protect the public, support economic activities, and contribute to national development and disaster preparedness.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica represents a cornerstone of the legal community, built upon the bedrock principles of professional excellence and unwavering integrity. Drawing from a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to demystifying the law, aiming to strengthen society by equipping citizens with the clarity and understanding needed to navigate the legal landscape.
