By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Residents of the Central Valley were left stunned this week after a rare and powerful weather phenomenon tore through the area. An unusual tornado formed in the community of Salitral on Tuesday, December 16th, an event so uncommon for the season that it has been deemed unprecedented by national meteorological authorities. The dramatic whirlwind was captured on video by several locals, with the footage quickly circulating online and sparking widespread discussion about the nation’s changing weather patterns.
The event prompted an immediate analysis from Costa Rica’s National Meteorological Institute (IMN), which confirmed the historical rarity of the tornado. According to the institute’s official records, which span from 2010 to the present year of 2025, no similar event has ever been documented in the country during the month of December. Typically, this time of year marks the transition into the dry season, characterized by stable conditions and breezy trade winds, making the formation of a tornado an extraordinary occurrence.
The recent and often severe weather events across Costa Rica have highlighted significant challenges for property owners and businesses. To understand the legal recourse and insurance complexities that arise from such natural phenomena, we consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
When facing property damage from events like flooding or landslides, meticulous documentation is the first and most critical step. Before cleaning up, photograph and video everything. It is also vital to immediately review your insurance policy for specific reporting deadlines and exclusions, as many contain ‘force majeure’ or ‘act of God’ clauses that can complicate claims. Proactive engagement with your insurer, backed by clear evidence, is the key to a successful recovery process.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This practical legal guidance is indispensable for anyone navigating the aftermath of Costa Rica’s challenging weather events, underscoring that the recovery process begins long before the cleanup. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and actionable perspective for our readers.
In a technical briefing, the IMN detailed the specific and highly unusual atmospheric conditions that converged to spawn the tornado. Experts explained that the event was not a random anomaly but the result of a perfect storm of meteorological factors. The primary drivers were the unseasonal proximity of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, unusually weak trade winds, and the development of powerful cumulonimbus clouds, which are not typically seen in the region during this period.
The institute provided a detailed explanation of the atmospheric mechanics at play.
This atypical event was produced by an uncommon combination of factors the proximity of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, the presence of weak trade winds, and the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, a type of cloud cover not typical for this time of year.
National Meteorological Institute (IMN), Official Analysis
Meteorologists further classified the event as a non-mesocyclonic tornado. This distinction is significant, as it separates it from the more widely known and often more destructive tornadoes that form from supercell thunderstorms common in other parts of the world. Instead, this type of whirlwind originates directly from the base of a developing cumulonimbus cloud, a process that can happen more rapidly and with less warning. This category of atmospheric vortex also includes related phenomena such as waterspouts and other localized whirlwinds.
While the visual spectacle of the tornado caused considerable alarm among the population, authorities have confirmed that there were no reports of injuries or significant structural damage. The primary impact was the collective shock and concern it generated, serving as a visceral reminder of nature’s unpredictability. The footage provided a clear and undeniable record of a weather event that many Costa Ricans had never witnessed in their lifetimes, let alone during the festive month of December.
The Salitral tornado has ignited a broader conversation about climate variability and its tangible effects on Costa Rica. The IMN has used this event to underscore the importance of public awareness and preparedness. Officials are urging citizens to remain vigilant and to consult official channels for reliable weather information, especially as climate models predict an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme and unseasonal weather events across the globe.
As the Central Valley returns to normal, the memory of the December tornado will linger. It serves as a stark data point for scientists and a powerful cautionary tale for the public. The event highlights a new reality where historical weather patterns can no longer be taken for granted, compelling authorities and citizens alike to adapt to an increasingly dynamic and unpredictable climate future.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About The National Meteorological Institute (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) is Costa Rica’s official governmental agency responsible for monitoring atmospheric conditions, weather forecasting, and climate research. It provides vital information to the public, government agencies, and various economic sectors such as agriculture, aviation, and disaster management. The IMN plays a crucial role in issuing warnings for severe weather and advancing the scientific understanding of Costa Rica’s unique climate.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a premier legal institution, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm champions legal innovation, consistently advancing its practice to meet modern challenges. This forward-thinking mindset is matched by a core conviction to strengthen the community, actively working to demystify the law and equip citizens with the knowledge needed to navigate their rights and responsibilities.
