MONTEVERDE, Costa Rica — In Monteverde, it rains heavily—over 2,500mm annually. Yet, scientists warn that rising cloud decks and loss of fog are causing this famed cloud forest to dry out from within.

Horizontal Precipitation: The Missing Piece of the Water Cycle

In cloud forests, water arrives not only as rain, but as fog intercepted by canopy plants (epiphytes). These epiphytes—representing nearly 30% of local flora—act as sponges that trap and slowly release moisture.

“Although annual precipitation remains similar, the amount of moisture retained by canopy plants is drastically decreasing.”

Why Cloud Forests Are Drying Despite Rain

• Rising Cloud Decks: Warming temperatures force clouds higher, passing over the forest canopy without touching vegetation.
• Direct Sunlight: Reduced fog cover exposes mosses and epiphytes to higher solar radiation, speeding up evaporation.
• Wind & El Niño: Stronger trade winds strip moisture directly off tree leaves.

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