Costa Rica Monitors Pacific Weather System with Potential Cyclonic Development

The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) of Costa Rica is closely monitoring a low-pressure area located in the Pacific Ocean off the country's coast, which currently holds a 60% probability of developing into a tropical depression. Weather officials released an update stating that the system could increase cloud cover and alter rainy conditions over the weekend, though uncertainty remains regarding its final trajectory and organization.

According to updates issued by the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC), the system possesses a 40% chance of cyclonic development within the next 48 hours and a 60% chance over the following seven days. Meteorological models suggest that the disturbance could exhibit better organization between Saturday and Sunday, although it has shown limited development in recent days.

Authorities noted that the potential development of the system could bring increased cloudiness and morning fog banks to the North Pacific region during the weekend. Meanwhile, mountainous areas in the Caribbean and the Northern Zone may experience more frequent downpours as the day progresses, and the Central Valley could see cooler temperatures due to heavier cloud cover.

Despite the ongoing monitoring, the IMN emphasized that the presence of a low-pressure area with cyclonic potential does not automatically guarantee the formation of a tropical storm or hurricane. In the meantime, heavy downpours are anticipated in various regions due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone, morning heating, and incoming humidity.

Precipitation is expected to concentrate primarily in the Northern Zone, the mountains of the North and South Caribbean, and near Cartago and Turrialba, where totals could reach up to 40 millimeters in six-hour periods. Officials expressed concern over high soil saturation levels, reaching between 80% and 90% in parts of the Pacific, which heighten the vulnerability to potential floods and landslides.

Furthermore, urban areas face risks of sewer system saturation from accumulated water, while thunderstorms could bring strong wind gusts reaching up to 80 kilometers per hour. Authorities advised residents in flood-prone communities to exercise extreme caution, avoid open exposure during thunderstorms, and seek shelter during severe weather events.

The IMN will continue tracking both the Pacific weather system and general atmospheric conditions, providing regular updates through official channels as meteorologists evaluate whether the system will strengthen over the weekend.