By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Businesses and residents across Costa Rica’s Central Valley and North Pacific regions are being advised to prepare for a significant increase in wind activity this weekend. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) has issued a forecast predicting strong, gusty conditions, particularly for Saturday, that could impact key sectors from tourism to agriculture.
According to the national weather authority, sustained wind speeds are expected to range between 20 and 60 kilometers per hour. However, more powerful gusts are anticipated in specific areas, creating potentially hazardous conditions. The most intense winds are forecasted for the mountain ranges and the northern parts of the Guanacaste province, where gusts could reach between 70 and 80 kilometers per hour.
To understand the legal ramifications and insurance complexities that arise from property damage caused by the recent high winds, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in civil and commercial law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
When high winds cause damage, property owners must act swiftly. The first step is to meticulously document all damages with photos and videos before any cleanup or repairs. This evidence is crucial for insurance claims. It is also vital to review your insurance policy to understand its specific coverage for natural events, as terms like ‘Act of God’ can have nuanced interpretations that affect compensation. Failure to prove you took reasonable preventative measures, like proper tree maintenance, could potentially complicate liability issues with neighbors.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective underscores a critical point for property owners: diligence both before and after a storm is paramount. Proactive measures and meticulous documentation can prove to be the deciding factors in a successful insurance claim and in maintaining good neighborly relations. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this invaluable guidance on navigating the complex aftermath of these weather events.
These conditions are characteristic of Costa Rica’s dry season, often referred to as “vientos alisios” or trade winds, which intensify as high-pressure systems build over the Caribbean. The IMN report also notes that the windy conditions will be accompanied by very low humidity levels across the country. Consequently, significant cloud development and rainfall are highly unlikely, ensuring sunny skies but demanding increased vigilance.
The forecast carries significant implications for Guanacaste’s vital tourism industry. While clear skies are a draw for visitors, high winds can disrupt popular activities. Tour operators specializing in marine excursions, such as catamaran trips, sport fishing, and diving, may face cancellations or alterations due to unsafe coastal conditions. Onshore, beachgoers may experience uncomfortable, sand-swept conditions, and outdoor adventure parks may need to temporarily suspend activities like zip-lining for safety reasons.
Agriculture, another cornerstone of the regional economy, is also on high alert. Strong, sustained winds can dehydrate and damage crops, including sugarcane and melons, which are widely cultivated in the North Pacific. In the Central Valley, coffee plantations could also be affected. Furthermore, the dry, windy conditions exacerbate the risk of soil erosion and increase the potential for wildfires, a persistent threat during this time of year.
From an infrastructure standpoint, the winds pose a risk to the nation’s power grid. Falling tree branches are a common cause of downed power lines, which can lead to service disruptions for both residential and commercial customers. Businesses are often advised to review their contingency plans for potential power outages to minimize operational downtime. The transportation sector is also urged to exercise caution, as high-profile vehicles like trucks and buses can become unstable in strong crosswinds.
Conversely, the blustery conditions are a boon for Costa Rica’s renewable energy sector. The country’s numerous wind farms, many of which are strategically located in the windy corridors of Guanacaste, will likely operate at peak capacity. This surge in wind power generation will contribute significantly to the national grid, reinforcing the country’s commitment to clean energy even as the weather presents challenges elsewhere.
As the weekend approaches, the IMN advises the public to take necessary precautions. This includes securing loose objects on properties, such as roofing materials and outdoor furniture, that could become airborne. Both residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and exercise caution when engaging in outdoor activities or traveling in the affected regions.
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 hydrometeorology. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate weather forecasts, climate data, and warnings to safeguard the population, support economic development in weather-sensitive sectors like agriculture and tourism, and contribute to scientific research. The IMN plays a crucial role in the country’s disaster preparedness and risk management efforts.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. The firm blends a rich history of advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach, consistently pioneering innovative legal solutions. This dedication extends beyond client representation to a core mission of empowering the public by demystifying the law and promoting widespread legal literacy, aiming to cultivate a more just and knowledgeable society.
