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The end is in sight, weather institute promises

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff


The official word has come from the weather experts. The notification is what expats and would-be tourists have been awaiting.

The country has begun to enter the transitional phase between the rainy season and the dry, although that may not be obvious from the weather Tuesday.

The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional said that everywhere but in the south Pacific, the onset of the dry season is delayed this year from five to seven days at least.

The weather institute released a list of probable dates Tuesday for the start of the dry season. As usual, the northern Pacific benefits from the northerly winds that drive away the rains. The institute estimated that the dry season would arrive there between Nov. 11 and 19. The normal date is Nov. 4, the institute said. The transition period is generally the week before the onset of the dry season. The transition period is characterized by alternating days of rain and days without rain.

In the Central Valley, the dry season should have arrived by Thanksgiving. The weather institute said that the likely time this year would be Nov. 14 to Nov. 24, which happens to be U.S. Thanksgiving. The normal date is Nov. 9.

The central Pacific is about a month later. The institute said that the dry season would arrive there in time for Christmas. The experts estimated

from Dec. 14 to Dec. 24. The normal date is Dec. 9, they said.

Because of its location, the southern Pacific always welcomes the dry season the latest and sees it leave the soonest. This year, the institute estimated from Dec. 20 to Dec. 29. That probably means an early arrival when compared to the average date of Dec. 29.

On the Caribbean coast, where the weather seasons are reversed, November means the arrival of more rain, pushed there by the northern cold fronts. The weather institute is predicting more rain there through February and warns of flooding and other rain-related problems.

On the Pacific and in the Central Valley, the dry season frequently contains several cold spells that are amplified by stronger winds.

Thank God. It was so wet in October I learned to avoid the slime. That being the rotted vegetation that coats the sidewalks. After slipping and falling on my ass once i learned to tread carefully and avoid slimy sidewalks.

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Man I'm living life like a great white shark swimming with minnows! It's all about panocha, great scotch, fine cigars, loud-ass rock music and speed, speed, speed - plus spending as much time as possible in paradise on earth, Costa Rica!

Rain gives way to winds and a chill from the north

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff


The change from the rainy season to the high season comes at a price.

A chill swept into the Central Valley Thursday, and the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional is predicting up to 70 kph (43.5 mph) winds in Guanacaste today.

Strong winds are typical of the change of season, and frequently they are strong enough to deroof homes and down trees.

The increase in atmospheric pressure in Central America and the Caribbean has generated windy conditions, said the weather institute.

In a special midday bulletin, the weather service said that the cold wave that hit Thursday about noon is the first of the season. The strong winds carry cold air from the north, and that decreases the temperatures, the weather bulletin said.

Now although some Costa Ricans in the Central Valley are casting around for woolen hats and ski jackets, the chill at its worst is predicted to be in the high 50s today. Of course, that is unusual, and the wind enhances the chill.

The nation's residential ice box is Cartago where the weather institute said that the high today would be about 19 C with a low of 15. That is 66 and 59 F.

In San José the temperature is expected to top out at 20 C (68 F) and drop to 16 C (61 F) in the evening.

There still will be swimwear weather at the beaches. The institute said that Limón would see a high of 27 C. (80.6 F) with a low of 20 C. (68 F). Golfito is expected to see a high of 31 C. (88


How Costa Ricans see the weather


F) with a low of 22 C (71.6 F). Inland temperatures in Guanacaste are expected to be similar to that predicted for Liberia: 30 C (86 F) and a low of 21 C (70 F).

Sometimes during the colder dry season traces of snow fall in the mountains. Cerro de la Muerte is so named because oxcart drivers would die of hypothermia when sleeping with their cart and animals overnight.

Although the chill draws snickers from tourists from further north, the predicted low temperatures are cold enough to cause hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Many Costa Rican homes do not have adequate windows or doors to keep out the cold. Expats who drink alcohol are more vulnerable to hypothermia, as are the aged or infirm.

The weather institute warned of lesser winds through the country and emphasized that some gusts can affect aviation.

Rain gives way to winds and a chill from the north

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff


The change from the rainy season to the high season comes at a price.

A chill swept into the Central Valley Thursday, and the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional is predicting up to 70 kph (43.5 mph) winds in Guanacaste today.

Strong winds are typical of the change of season, and frequently they are strong enough to deroof homes and down trees.

The increase in atmospheric pressure in Central America and the Caribbean has generated windy conditions, said the weather institute.

In a special midday bulletin, the weather service said that the cold wave that hit Thursday about noon is the first of the season. The strong winds carry cold air from the north, and that decreases the temperatures, the weather bulletin said.

Now although some Costa Ricans in the Central Valley are casting around for woolen hats and ski jackets, the chill at its worst is predicted to be in the high 50s today. Of course, that is unusual, and the wind enhances the chill.

The nation's residential ice box is Cartago where the weather institute said that the high today would be about 19 C with a low of 15. That is 66 and 59 F.

In San José the temperature is expected to top out at 20 C (68 F) and drop to 16 C (61 F) in the evening.

There still will be swimwear weather at the beaches. The institute said that Limón would see a high of 27 C. (80.6 F) with a low of 20 C. (68 F). Golfito is expected to see a high of 31 C. (88


How Costa Ricans see the weather


F) with a low of 22 C (71.6 F). Inland temperatures in Guanacaste are expected to be similar to that predicted for Liberia: 30 C (86 F) and a low of 21 C (70 F).

Sometimes during the colder dry season traces of snow fall in the mountains. Cerro de la Muerte is so named because oxcart drivers would die of hypothermia when sleeping with their cart and animals overnight.

Although the chill draws snickers from tourists from further north, the predicted low temperatures are cold enough to cause hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Many Costa Rican homes do not have adequate windows or doors to keep out the cold. Expats who drink alcohol are more vulnerable to hypothermia, as are the aged or infirm.

The weather institute warned of lesser winds through the country and emphasized that some gusts can affect aviation.

haha It's not really that cold this morning and I just walked to Automercado in short sleeves. Got a good chuckle at the way so many people were bundled up.

RIGHT? I walk to the office whenever I can and it is amazing how the ticos treat it like it is snowing out..... I saw this guy and girl walking with long pants, coats, scarves, gloves and tobogans(a stocking cap where I am from not a sled). I mean seriously.....i was walking in shorts and short sleeves thinking how nice it was. I have been here for a minute and I do get cold sometimes, but WOW......




the DR

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“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity"

Living in Houston for over 30 years thinned my blood. I enjoy 80+ degree weather, when it drops below 70 I get chilly. Guess its one thing me and ticos have in common.

_________________
Man I'm living life like a great white shark swimming with minnows! It's all about panocha, great scotch, fine cigars, loud-ass rock music and speed, speed, speed - plus spending as much time as possible in paradise on earth, Costa Rica!

http://amcostarica.com/


New prediction pushes the dry season even later

Yeah, a few extra weeks of rain, I love it!!