An unstable and highly humid atmosphere is set to dominate Costa Rica this Saturday, May 23. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) has issued a forecast warning that the Intertropical Convergence Zone—positioned right off the Pacific coast—is driving heavy cloud cover and moisture across the country, triggering widespread showers and thunderstorms.

While the morning may start quiet in several regions, conditions are expected to deteriorate as the day progresses. Offshore storm development will push dense cloud layers inland, making way for significant afternoon and evening downpours.

Regional Breakdown: What to Expect in Your Area

Weather conditions will vary drastically depending on where you are located. Here is the official IMN breakdown for each region, including expected temperature ranges:

• Central Valley (including San José): Starting out partly cloudy, skies will quickly cloud over by afternoon and evening.
  • Temperatures: Low of 18.8°C | High of 26.9°C.
• North Pacific (including Nicoya): Expect a very hot morning with clear skies. However, don’t let it fool you—the afternoon will bring heavy cloud build-up, isolated storms, and severe downpours.
  • Temperatures: Low of 23.4°C | High of 38.4°C.
• Central Pacific (including Parrita): Variable cloudiness will start early, with a high probability of afternoon rain and electrical storms.
  • Temperatures: Low of 18.5°C | High of 32.4°C.
• South Pacific (including Golfito): Cloud cover will increase steadily into the afternoon, bringing thunderstorms and showers to various sectors, particularly near Golfo Dulce.
  • Temperatures: Low of 22.3°C | High of 30.1°C.
• Northern Zone (including Ciudad Quesada): Mostly cloudy throughout the day, with precipitation focusing primarily over mountainous areas during the afternoon.
  • Temperatures: Low of 17.8°C | High of 28.4°C.
• North & South Caribbean (Limón & Guápiles): The coast will see early morning and dawn showers. The North Caribbean will stay mostly cloudy all day, while the South Caribbean should see clouds partially break and clear up as the day goes on.
  • Guápiles Temps: 23.6°C to 29.5°C | Limón Temps: 23.7°C to 28.8°C.

Official Warning from the IMN: Moisture flowing in from the Pacific Ocean will maintain a highly unstable environment across most of the national territory. Residents should prepare for rainfall of varying intensity starting in the afternoon and continuing into the early evening hours.

Saturday Daylight and Lunar Data

For those planning their day or keeping an eye on local conditions in San José, here are Saturday’s astronomical times:

• Sunrise: 5:15 a.m.
• Sunset: 5:51 p.m.
• Moonrise: 11:56 a.m.
• Moon Phase: First Quarter (Cuarto Creciente)

Be sure to stay tuned to local IMN updates, exercise caution on the roads during heavy downpours, and keep an umbrella handy if you are heading out this afternoon!

- Advertisement -