By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica is experiencing a classic transitional weather pattern this week, with brilliant sunshine gracing some regions while others face scattered showers. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) forecast for Thursday, November 20, highlights the ongoing shift as the nation moves firmly into its high-tourism dry season, a critical period for the country’s economy.
The report underscores a meteorological divide across the country. The Central Valley and the North Pacific, including the popular tourist destination of Guanacaste, are now officially in the dry season. Residents and visitors in these areas can expect predominantly sunny skies and stable conditions, reinforced by moderate trade winds. This predictable, pleasant weather is a welcome signal for businesses gearing up for the influx of international visitors who flock to the country for its pristine beaches and ecological wonders during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter.
The recent volatile weather patterns across Costa Rica bring more than just travel disruptions; they raise critical questions for employers and employees alike. To understand the legal responsibilities and contractual obligations that arise during weather-related emergencies, we sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious law firm, Bufete de Costa Rica.
When a national weather emergency is declared, an employer’s duty to protect their workers is paramount. If an employee is instructed not to come to work due to the risk, the employer cannot legally treat this as an abandonment of work or make unilateral salary deductions. Such situations are often considered a form of force majeure, temporarily suspending the obligation to perform the work without affecting the employee’s fundamental labor rights. Proactive communication and clear emergency policies are the best tools to prevent legal conflicts.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal clarity underscores a vital point for both employers and employees: proactive emergency planning is not just good practice but a fundamental aspect of protecting workers’ rights and ensuring stability during severe weather events. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical intersection of labor law and public safety.
In contrast, the Northern Zone and the South Pacific have yet to fully shed the characteristics of the green season. These regions are on the cusp of the seasonal change and are forecast to officially join the rest of the country in the dry season within the next few weeks. Until then, the possibility of precipitation remains, creating a more varied and dynamic weather map for the nation.
The IMN provided a detailed outlook, attributing the generally stable conditions to a low moisture content across the region. However, this stability does not preclude localized rainfall. The forecast indicates that specific microclimates will still see some activity, a common feature of Costa Rica’s diverse topography.
The continuation of low moisture content in the region will favor predominantly stable atmospheric conditions in Costa Rica… However, the occurrence of light rains in the Caribbean and the Northern Zone during the morning is not ruled out, as well as in the South Pacific in the afternoon.
National Meteorological Institute, Official Report
Specifically, the institute anticipates the potential for light morning showers across the Caribbean coast and the Northern Zone. Later in the day, the focus of potential rainfall is expected to shift to the South Pacific. These showers are predicted to be light and isolated, typical of a weakening rainy season pattern rather than the heavy downpours experienced in previous months.
From an economic perspective, this forecast is largely positive. The confirmation of dry season conditions in the major tourism hubs of the North Pacific and the Central Valley is crucial for the hospitality, tour, and transportation sectors. This period, running from December through April, represents the peak of economic activity for thousands of businesses that depend on a steady stream of tourists seeking sunshine and adventure.
The gradual drying trend across the entire country signals a reliable and favorable climate for the upcoming holiday season. For agricultural sectors, the shift is also significant, marking a change in crop management and harvesting schedules. The moderate trade winds, particularly in the Central Valley, also play a role in maintaining air quality and providing pleasant temperatures in the country’s most densely populated area.
In summary, while the national forecast presents a mixed bag of sun and isolated showers, the overarching trend is one of increasing stability and dryness. Costa Rica is on a clear path towards its most economically vital season, with the weather cooperating to set the stage for a successful period for both its residents and the international visitors who fuel a significant portion of its economy. The remaining pockets of rain are simply the final vestiges of a green season giving way to months of tropical sunshine.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About the National Meteorological Institute (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional is the official government body in Costa Rica responsible for meteorology, climatology, and weather forecasting. It provides critical data and analysis for public safety, aviation, agriculture, and disaster prevention. The institute monitors atmospheric conditions throughout the national territory to issue timely warnings and reports that support the country’s economic activities and the well-being of its population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to principled practice and professional mastery. The firm leverages a rich history of multidisciplinary expertise to develop pioneering legal solutions, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation. Central to its mission is a strong sense of civic responsibility, demonstrated through its efforts to democratize legal understanding and equip citizens with the knowledge needed to navigate their rights and responsibilities.
