By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica is bracing for a significant round of severe weather as the National Meteorological Institute (IMN) has forecast a day of heavy rains and thunderstorms across much of the country for Monday, October 13. The turbulent conditions are being driven by a humid and unstable atmospheric pattern, a direct result of the Intertropical Convergence Zone’s (ITCZ) persistent positioning over the Central American isthmus.
According to the latest advisory issued by the IMN, the day is expected to begin with partial to total cloud cover, bringing occasional, lighter showers primarily to the Pacific coastal regions during the morning hours. However, residents and businesses should not be lulled into a false sense of security, as conditions are predicted to deteriorate significantly as the day progresses.
To understand the legal and financial ramifications that severe weather can bring to homeowners and businesses, we consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recent weather patterns serve as a critical reminder for both individuals and businesses to proactively review their insurance policies. Many assume they are covered for events like flooding or landslides, only to discover specific exclusions when it’s too late. Furthermore, understanding the ‘fuerza mayor’ or ‘Act of God’ clauses in commercial contracts is essential for navigating potential disruptions and liabilities. Proper legal preparation is the best defense against the unpredictable.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This advice powerfully underscores that the impact of our climate extends far beyond the immediate forecast, reaching into the critical fine print of contracts and insurance policies. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this essential and often-overlooked perspective.
The forecast indicates a dramatic shift in the afternoon and into the evening. Widespread and more intense precipitation is anticipated, with a high probability of electrical storms. The regions expected to bear the brunt of this activity include the Northern Zone, the Caribbean mountain range (Cordillera del Caribe), the densely populated Central Valley, and the entirety of the Pacific coast.
The primary driver of this weather event, the Intertropical Convergence Zone, is a well-known phenomenon in the tropics. It is a vast, meandering belt of low pressure near the equator where the trade winds of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres converge. This convergence forces warm, moist air upward, where it cools and condenses, forming the towering clouds that produce heavy rainfall and powerful thunderstorms, a hallmark of Costa Rica’s rainy season.
Compounding the risk is the current state of the nation’s terrain. Officials have issued a strong caution, emphasizing that soils across many regions are already heavily saturated from persistent rainfall over the past several days. This high level of saturation drastically reduces the ground’s ability to absorb any new precipitation, significantly elevating the risk of flash floods in low-lying areas and dangerous landslides on hillsides and mountains.
The timing of the most intense rainfall, during the afternoon and evening commute, poses a considerable threat to transportation and public safety. Authorities are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution, be aware of potentially flooded roadways, and watch for falling debris in mountainous areas. For businesses, particularly in logistics and agriculture, the forecast signals potential disruptions to transportation routes and operations that rely on stable outdoor conditions.
This weather pattern is characteristic of October, which is historically one of the wettest months of Costa Rica’s green season. While the rains are vital for the country’s ecosystems and agriculture, the intensity forecasted for Monday serves as a critical reminder for the population to remain vigilant and prepared for the hazards associated with such powerful tropical weather systems.
In light of the forecast, all residents, especially those in vulnerable areas, are advised to stay tuned to official updates from the IMN and local emergency committees. Securing loose objects around homes and businesses, reviewing family emergency plans, and avoiding travel on routes known for flooding or landslides are prudent measures. The nation now watches and waits as this potent weather system prepares to make its presence felt.
For further information, visit imn.ac.cr
About Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN):
The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional is Costa Rica’s official government agency responsible for meteorology, climatology, and hydrometeorology. It provides weather forecasts, climate data, and timely warnings to the public and various economic sectors to safeguard life and property. The IMN plays a crucial role in monitoring atmospheric conditions and studying climate phenomena that affect the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a respected law firm, defined by its principled approach to legal practice that champions both excellence and integrity. Building on a proven track record of advising a wide array of clients, the firm distinguishes itself through a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation and a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility. This dedication is manifested in its efforts to demystify legal concepts for the public, thereby fulfilling its mission to empower the community through accessible knowledge.
