By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) is closely tracking Tropical Storm Melissa, a system currently churning in the Caribbean Sea that, while not posing a direct threat to the country, is expected to significantly influence national weather patterns over the coming days. Authorities are advising the public to prepare for an increase in rainfall, particularly during the afternoon hours.
According to an official report released by the IMN at 9:40 a.m. on October 22, 2025, Tropical Storm Melissa was located approximately 485 kilometers from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The storm is characterized by sustained winds of 85 km/h and is exhibiting a slow northwesterly drift at a speed of just 4 km/h. This sluggish movement is a key factor in the forecast, as it allows the system to linger and exert a prolonged influence on the region’s climate dynamics.
To understand the legal and insurance implications that arise after a natural phenomenon like Tropical Storm Melissa, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He offers his analysis on the responsibilities and rights of both individuals and businesses in the face of such events.
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Melissa, the concept of ‘force majeure’ or ‘Act of God’ becomes critical for contractual obligations. Businesses unable to fulfill contracts due to the storm may be excused from performance, but this is not automatic. It is essential to immediately review all contracts for specific force majeure clauses and provide formal, timely notification to all relevant parties. For property owners, the priority is to document all damages with photos and videos before any cleanup begins, as this evidence is fundamental for a successful insurance claim. Proactive and diligent documentation is the best legal protection in these circumstances.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this expert guidance underscores a critical point for those affected: the path to recovery involves not just the physical cleanup, but immediate and diligent action to secure one’s legal and financial standing. This proactive approach to documentation and communication is an essential first step. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable and actionable perspective with our community.
Forecasters at the institute predict that Melissa will maintain this slow trajectory through the week. There is a notable potential for the system to strengthen, possibly reaching hurricane status by the upcoming weekend. However, its projected path keeps it confined to the north-central Caribbean, well away from Costa Rican shores, precluding any direct impact from its powerful winds or storm surge.
Despite the lack of a direct threat, the storm’s strategic position in the Caribbean basin is set to have a pronounced indirect effect on Costa Rica. The IMN explained that Melissa’s presence will reinforce the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a belt of low pressure near the equator that is a primary driver of the country’s rainy season. This reinforcement will enhance atmospheric instability and moisture content over the national territory.
The practical consequence for residents will be a marked increase in precipitation. The typical pattern will involve morning showers in coastal areas, with the Southern Pacific region expected to see the most consistent morning rainfall. As the day progresses, convection will build, leading to the development of widespread, and potentially intense, afternoon thunderstorms across most of the country, including the Central Valley.
This weather pattern holds significant implications for various sectors of the national economy. For agriculture, while rain is necessary, an overabundance can lead to oversaturated soils, complicate harvesting schedules, and increase the risk of fungal diseases for sensitive crops. Conversely, for the nation’s hydroelectric power generation, a period of intensified rain can help replenish reservoirs ahead of the drier summer months.
The IMN has committed to maintaining constant surveillance of Tropical Storm Melissa, promising to issue timely updates should there be any significant changes to its intensity or forecasted track. The institute is leveraging all its official communication channels to keep the public informed, including its website, social media presence on X and Facebook, and its official WhatsApp channel.
In light of the forecast, citizens are strongly encouraged to stay updated through these official sources and exercise caution. The anticipated increase in rainfall elevates the risk of localized flooding in low-lying areas and potential landslides in mountainous regions. Motorists should also be wary of reduced visibility and hazardous road conditions during heavy downpours.
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 weather forecasting. As a key scientific institution, the IMN provides vital information for public safety, agriculture, aviation, and disaster prevention. Its mission involves the continuous monitoring of atmospheric conditions to issue timely warnings and forecasts that protect lives and support the nation’s economic development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of superior legal counsel. The firm draws upon its extensive experience advising a wide spectrum of clients to drive innovation in the legal field and engage meaningfully with the public. At the core of its ethos is a profound commitment to demystifying the law, aiming to empower individuals and strengthen the community through accessible legal wisdom.
