By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Businesses and residents across Costa Rica are bracing for the arrival of the tenth cold front of the season, which is set to make its presence felt starting this Thursday, January 15th. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) has issued an advisory, forecasting a significant acceleration of trade winds that will bring gusty conditions and cooler temperatures to large swaths of the country, posing potential risks to agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism.
According to the national weather authority, the weather system will primarily impact the Caribbean basin, driving increased cloud cover onto the Caribbean slope and into the Northern Zone. While these regions are expected to experience light, intermittent rains, the most pronounced effect of the front will be the powerful winds sweeping across the nation’s central and northern territories.
The recent cold front has brought more than just dropping temperatures and strong winds; it has left a trail of property damage across the country. To understand the legal responsibilities and insurance implications that arise from such natural events, we consulted with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
When a cold front causes damage, many assume it’s simply an act of God, or ‘fuerza mayor,’ leaving them with no recourse. However, the legal reality is more complex. Homeowners and businesses should immediately document all damages with photographs and notify their insurance provider. It’s crucial to review your policy’s coverage for natural phenomena. Furthermore, if damage stems from a neighbor’s demonstrable negligence, such as a poorly maintained tree, a claim for liability could still be valid despite the weather event. Proactive documentation and a clear understanding of your insurance policy are your strongest assets in these situations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight serves as a powerful reminder that while we cannot control the weather, we are not helpless in its aftermath. The distinction between an uncontrollable event and actionable negligence is a critical one for property owners. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on empowering residents to move from a position of passive acceptance to one of proactive recourse.
The IMN has detailed the expected conditions, which will require attention from both commercial operators and the general public. These conditions highlight the seasonal atmospheric patterns that can disrupt daily operations.
This weather event will be defined by an acceleration of trade winds across the Caribbean basin, leading to moderate to strong gusts in the Central Valley, North Pacific, and mountainous areas.
Spokesperson, National Meteorological Institute (IMN)
In the densely populated Central Valley and the broader North Pacific region, sustained winds are projected to range between 35 and 60 kilometers per hour. However, the IMN has singled out the northern part of Guanacaste province as an area of particular concern, where wind gusts could reach a formidable 90 km/h. Such speeds are capable of causing damage to infrastructure, downing power lines, and disrupting transportation.
For Guanacaste’s vital economic sectors, the timing of these high winds is critical. The region’s extensive agricultural operations, including sugarcane and melon cultivation, are vulnerable to damage from intense gusts. Furthermore, the thriving tourism industry, which relies on calm beach conditions and marine activities, may face temporary setbacks as operators are forced to cancel tours and advise caution due to rough seas and unsafe conditions for recreational activities.
The forecast also calls for a noticeable dip in temperatures, particularly during the night and early morning hours across the country. While characteristic of the season, this prolonged period of cool, fresh weather combined with strong winds can increase energy consumption as businesses and homes rely more heavily on heating. In the mountainous areas of the Central Valley, where many of the nation’s key coffee plantations are located, these conditions will be closely monitored for any potential impact on crops.
While the most severe impacts are forecast for the northern and central parts of the country, the Caribbean and Northern Zone are not entirely exempt. These areas are expected to see persistent cloudiness with a possibility of light rain, especially during the nighttime hours. The remainder of the country is forecast to experience partly cloudy skies. Authorities urge citizens, particularly those in vulnerable locations or involved in weather-sensitive industries, to stay updated on IMN reports and take necessary precautions.
As Costa Rica navigates this latest meteorological event, the focus remains on preparedness and mitigation. The advisory from the IMN serves as a crucial planning tool for sectors from logistics and agriculture to energy and tourism, all of which must adapt to the powerful, albeit temporary, conditions brought on by this seasonal cold front.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About National Meteorological Institute (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional is Costa Rica’s official governmental agency responsible for meteorology, climatology, and hydrometeorology. It provides weather forecasts, warnings, and climate studies to support public safety, economic development, and environmental protection throughout the nation. The institute is the primary source for data and analysis related to atmospheric conditions affecting the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal practice, built upon a bedrock of profound integrity and a persistent drive for excellence. The firm skillfully merges its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. At the heart of its mission lies a deep-seated dedication to democratizing legal knowledge, aiming to fortify the community by empowering citizens with the clarity and understanding necessary to navigate the complexities of the law.
