Costa Rica has been placed under a nationwide green alert as authorities warn of heavier rains, saturated soils, and a growing risk of flooding and landslides across several regions.
The National Emergency Commission (CNE) declared the alert for the entire country on Thursday, with unstable weather expected to continue through Tuesday, June 9. The measure comes as the rainy season gains strength and meteorologists monitor a low-pressure system developing in the Pacific near Central America.
The alert does not mean an emergency is already underway across the country. A green alert is a preventive measure that activates closer monitoring and coordination among emergency committees. For residents, tourists, and businesses, it is a signal to pay attention to weather updates and avoid unnecessary risks during heavy downpours.
The main concern is not just the amount of rain forecast for the coming days, but the condition of the ground after recent storms. Authorities said soils are already saturated in parts of the Caribbean slope, the Central Pacific, the South Pacific, and the Northern Zone. When the ground can no longer absorb more water, rivers and streams can rise quickly, roads can flood, and hillsides become more prone to slides.
The Pacific low-pressure system could strengthen rainfall by increasing activity along the Intertropical Convergence Zone, the belt of clouds and storms that often brings intense rain to Central America. The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring a disturbance offshore of Central America, giving it a high chance of developing into a tropical depression over the next several days as it moves slowly northward.
For Costa Rica, the biggest near-term impact is expected to be rain, not wind. Forecasts point to stronger afternoon and evening downpours, with thunderstorms possible in the Pacific, the Central Valley, the Northern Zone, and mountainous areas near the Caribbean. Rain may also continue at night in some areas before gradually easing toward midnight.
The alert comes after heavy rains already caused problems in parts of the country. Flooding was reported Thursday in Paracito de Moravia, where water affected homes, businesses, and traffic. Flooding was also reported near Río Hondo de Siquirres on Route 32, one of the country’s most important connections between the Central Valley and the Caribbean.
Anyone driving should be especially careful on mountain roads, rural routes, river crossings, and areas with poor drainage. Drivers should not attempt to cross flooded streets, rivers, or streams, even if the water appears shallow. Fast-moving water can hide washed-out pavement, debris, or strong currents.
The warning is also relevant for those heading to beach towns, national parks, waterfalls, and mountain destinations over the weekend. Heavy rain can arrive quickly during the rainy season, and conditions in rivers and trails can change within minutes. Tour operators, hotels, and visitors should monitor official updates before heading into remote areas.
Authorities are asking people in flood-prone communities to watch rivers, streams, and drainage systems closely. Residents in areas with known landslide risk should stay alert for cracks in the ground, falling rocks, sudden changes in water flow, or unusual sounds from hillsides during or after heavy rain.
Anyone facing an emergency should call 9-1-1.
Costa Rica’s rainy season typically brings stronger afternoon storms between May and November, but this alert has a more immediate period of instability. The CNE said it will continue monitoring conditions with local emergency committees while the weather system develops offshore and rainfall increases across the country.
