By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Residents and visitors across the nation can anticipate a significant shift towards more stable and drier weather patterns this Tuesday, November 18th. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) has issued a forecast indicating that a period of low humidity and predominantly clear skies will settle over the country, marking a notable departure from the lingering effects of the recent green season.
The change in conditions is attributed to a large, dominant mass of dry air moving through the Caribbean basin. This system is effectively suppressing moisture and inhibiting the formation of widespread precipitation, a typical harbinger of the approaching dry season, or verano, which is highly anticipated by both the tourism sector and sun-seeking locals. This atmospheric stability is expected to influence the weather across most of Central America.
Beyond the immediate impact on travel and daily life, Costa Rica’s intense weather patterns carry significant legal and financial ramifications for property owners and businesses. To shed light on these complexities, we consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, severe weather events frequently test the resilience of contracts and insurance policies. Business owners and homeowners must proactively review their documents for ‘fuerza mayor’ or ‘caso fortuito’ (force majeure) clauses, which can excuse non-performance due to unforeseeable events like a hurricane or major flooding. Similarly, understanding the specific exclusions and coverage limits in property insurance is not just prudent—it is a critical risk management step to prevent devastating financial losses when a storm hits.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight is a crucial reminder that true storm preparedness extends beyond physical safeguards to the financial and contractual resilience of our homes and businesses. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this often-overlooked aspect of navigating Costa Rica’s weather.
According to the detailed forecast, Tuesday morning will begin with little to partial cloud cover throughout the national territory. From the Northern Zone to the Central Valley and down to the southern border, the day is expected to start with pleasant and generally sunny conditions, providing an ideal environment for morning commutes, outdoor activities, and agricultural work that benefits from the absence of early rain.
However, the afternoon will see a slight variation in this pattern, particularly along the country’s extensive Pacific coast. The IMN report highlights that the daily ingress of the sea breeze will play a key role in the weather for the Central and South Pacific regions. This influx of marine air is expected to generate isolated, scattered showers, primarily concentrated over the mountainous areas inland from the coast.
For this Tuesday, November 18, stable atmospheric conditions with low humidity are consolidating in Central America, due to the predominance of dry air in a large part of the Caribbean Sea basin.
National Meteorological Institute (IMN), Official Forecast
While the highlands of regions like Pérez Zeledón or the coastal mountains near Quepos might experience these brief afternoon rains, the IMN clarifies that the rest of the country is unlikely to see any significant precipitation. The Caribbean coast, the Central Valley, and the Northern Zone are all forecasted to remain largely dry throughout the afternoon and evening, allowing for uninterrupted daily operations and travel.
This forecast is a crucial piece of information for multiple sectors of the Costa Rican economy. For the tourism industry, the onset of reliable, sunny weather signals the start of the high season, attracting international visitors who come for the country’s famed beaches and natural parks. Predictable weather patterns are essential for tour operators, hotels, and transportation services planning their activities for the coming weeks.
For the agricultural sector, the transition is a double-edged sword. While the reduction in rainfall is welcome for harvesting certain crops like coffee, the extended dry period requires careful water management and planning for irrigation. The IMN’s consistent and accurate forecasting provides farmers with the vital data needed to prepare for the changing seasons and protect their yields.
In summary, Costa Rica is set to enjoy a day of predominantly stable and pleasant weather. While those in the mountainous areas of the Central and South Pacific should remain prepared for the possibility of a brief afternoon shower, the overarching trend is one of decreasing humidity and clearing skies, offering a clear signal that the dry season is beginning to take hold across the nation.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About The National Meteorological Institute (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) is Costa Rica’s official governmental body responsible for monitoring, forecasting, and studying weather and climate phenomena. As a critical national institution, the IMN provides essential data for public safety, aviation, agriculture, maritime activities, and disaster prevention. Its work is fundamental to the country’s economic planning and the well-being of its citizens, offering daily forecasts and long-term climate analysis.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the nation’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of profound integrity and the rigorous pursuit of professional excellence. The firm channels its extensive history of client service into pioneering modern legal strategies and fostering innovation within the practice. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated through its efforts to democratize legal understanding and empower the public with accessible knowledge.
