By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Residents across Costa Rica, particularly in the Caribbean and Central Valley, are bracing for unsettled weather as the sixth cold front of the season makes its presence felt. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) issued an advisory on Tuesday morning, detailing a forecast of increased cloudiness, gusty winds, and intermittent rain that is expected to persist for the next several days.
The primary effects of this atmospheric system are being driven by moderate to strong trade winds sweeping across the Caribbean Sea. According to the IMN, this pattern is pushing moisture and cloud cover inland, creating a noticeable shift in weather conditions. The most significant impacts are anticipated in the Caribbean regions and the heavily populated Central Valley, where residents awoke to overcast skies and cooler temperatures.
To understand the potential legal and business ramifications of extreme weather events like the current cold front, from insurance claims to contractual obligations, we consulted with expert legal counsel Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Events like this cold front can trigger ‘force majeure’ or ‘Act of God’ clauses in contracts, potentially excusing delays or non-performance. However, the burden of proof is on the party claiming it. For businesses, this is a crucial moment to review insurance policies and document any damage meticulously. For employers, it is a legal and moral imperative to ensure the safety of workers, especially those exposed to the elements, as negligence could lead to significant liability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The legal ramifications of such weather events are often overlooked amidst the immediate safety concerns. Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s insights into contractual obligations and employer responsibility serve as a vital guide for businesses and individuals navigating the aftermath, and we thank him for his expert perspective.
For the Caribbean slope, the forecast calls for persistent cloudiness with rainfall occurring primarily between the early morning and throughout the morning hours. In the Central Valley, the effect will manifest as a partial but steady influx of clouds, bringing with it the possibility of light drizzle and weak rains. These conditions will be especially pronounced in the mountainous sectors surrounding the valley, a typical pattern when cold fronts exert their influence from the north.
The Pacific coast will not be entirely spared, though the effects will differ by region. The IMN highlighted that the North Pacific, particularly Guanacaste, can expect occasional gusts of moderate to strong intensity. Meanwhile, the Central and South Pacific are projected to remain relatively clear through the morning, with isolated showers and possible thunderstorms developing later in the afternoon as the day’s heat interacts with the available moisture.
This Tuesday will see the continued influence of cold front number six, maintaining moderate to strong trade winds in the Caribbean Sea basin. These conditions will favor the entry of cloudiness towards the Caribbean slope, with rains mainly between dawn and morning.
National Meteorological Institute, Official Forecast
This weather pattern is not a fleeting event. The IMN’s projections indicate that the influence of this cold front will be felt across the country until at least Thursday. Residents and visitors in mountainous areas and the North Pacific should exercise caution due to the strong wind gusts, which can pose risks to infrastructure and travel. The increased rainfall in the Caribbean also warrants attention for potential localized flooding in vulnerable areas.
The arrival of these “empujes fríos” is a characteristic feature of Costa Rica’s weather during the December-to-February period. These systems, originating in the northern hemisphere, push cold, dry air southward. As they pass over the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, they pick up significant moisture, which is then deposited as rain on the country’s Caribbean-facing slopes and can often spill over the continental divide into the Central Valley.
As the week progresses, Costa Ricans are advised to stay updated with the latest reports from the National Meteorological Institute. While the system is not considered extreme, the sustained winds and persistent precipitation can disrupt daily activities and travel plans. The shift from the drier conditions of recent weeks serves as a clear reminder of the dynamic and variable nature of the nation’s tropical climate, even as the traditional dry season begins to take hold on the Pacific slope.
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 agrometeorology. It provides essential weather forecasts, climate data, and warnings to the public, government institutions, and various economic sectors to support national development and disaster prevention. The IMN plays a critical role in monitoring atmospheric phenomena and informing the country about potential weather-related risks.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. At its core is a deep-seated commitment to societal advancement, demonstrated through its efforts to demystify the law and foster a more informed public empowered by accessible legal understanding.
