Tropical Wave No. 19 is crossing Costa Rica, bringing thunderstorms and wind gusts of up to 95 km/h [1].

These weather conditions pose significant risks to infrastructure and travel across the region. High wind speeds and heavy rainfall often trigger landslides and flooding in mountainous terrain, potentially isolating rural communities.

The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) said the strongest effects are expected in the Caribbean, the Northern Zone, the Central Valley, northern Guanacaste, and mountain areas.

Residents in these regions are facing an increased chance of rain as the wave moves through the country. The system is characterized by unstable atmospheric conditions that facilitate the development of thunderstorms. These storms can lead to rapid water accumulation in river basins, increasing the risk of flash floods.

The IMN said the wind gusts reaching 95 km/h [1] could cause damage to signage, power lines, and unstable structures. The agency continues to monitor the progression of Tropical Wave No. 19 to provide updated forecasts for the affected provinces.

Local authorities typically advise citizens in high-risk zones to remain vigilant and follow evacuation protocols if water levels rise. The intersection of the Caribbean coast and the interior mountain ranges often intensifies the moisture delivered by such tropical waves, leading to higher precipitation totals than in coastal plains.

“Tropical Wave No. 19 is crossing Costa Rica, bringing thunderstorms and wind gusts of up to 95 km/h.”

The passage of Tropical Wave No. 19 highlights the vulnerability of Costa Rica's diverse geography to sudden atmospheric shifts. Because the system impacts both the Central Valley and the Caribbean coast, the resulting saturation of mountain soils increases the likelihood of geologic instability, which often complicates emergency response efforts in the Northern Zone.