Costa Rica Braces for High Temperatures as Heat Wave Hits
Nicoya and Liberia expected to reach nearly 40 °C amid reduced trade winds
Costa Rica is facing a significant heat wave on Thursday, March 12, 2025, as temperatures are set to soar across various regions of the country, particularly in the North Pacific area.
This increase in temperature follows the dissipation of the cold front number 15, which has been diminishing the influence of trade winds, allowing for higher temperatures especially in locations like Nicoya and Liberia.
According to the latest forecast from the National Meteorological Institute (IMN), Nicoya is expected to achieve a staggering temperature of 39.2 °C, closely followed by Liberia at 38.2 °C. Other regions forecasted to experience extreme heat include Bagaces at 34.6 °C, Puntarenas at 34 °C, Upala at 33.9 °C, and Parrita at 32.1 °C.
In contrast, temperatures in the Central Valley will not be as severe, with Alajuela recording the highest temperature in the area at 27.5 °C, followed by Heredia at 28.7 °C, San José at 25.8 °C, and Cartago at 23.2 °C.
The immediate impacts of these high temperatures are noticeable among livestock, particularly cattle and horses, who are struggling with dwindling grasslands that have turned yellow and dry due to the relentless heat.
In the peak of the day, animals are reported to seek shade under trees as temperatures rise.
The IMN attributes these extreme conditions to the natural climatic shifts occurring at this time of the year, leading to significant variations in weather patterns."
This increase in temperature follows the dissipation of the cold front number 15, which has been diminishing the influence of trade winds, allowing for higher temperatures especially in locations like Nicoya and Liberia.
According to the latest forecast from the National Meteorological Institute (IMN), Nicoya is expected to achieve a staggering temperature of 39.2 °C, closely followed by Liberia at 38.2 °C. Other regions forecasted to experience extreme heat include Bagaces at 34.6 °C, Puntarenas at 34 °C, Upala at 33.9 °C, and Parrita at 32.1 °C.
In contrast, temperatures in the Central Valley will not be as severe, with Alajuela recording the highest temperature in the area at 27.5 °C, followed by Heredia at 28.7 °C, San José at 25.8 °C, and Cartago at 23.2 °C.
The immediate impacts of these high temperatures are noticeable among livestock, particularly cattle and horses, who are struggling with dwindling grasslands that have turned yellow and dry due to the relentless heat.
In the peak of the day, animals are reported to seek shade under trees as temperatures rise.
The IMN attributes these extreme conditions to the natural climatic shifts occurring at this time of the year, leading to significant variations in weather patterns."