The National Emergency Commission – Comisión Nacional de Emergencia (CNE) – has declared a “green alert” for the areas of Sarapiquí (Caribbean coast), north Pacific and the Central Valley, that is affected by a low pressure system dumping large amounts of rain in those areas.

The alert follows a forecast by the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) – national weather service – to expect some 60 milliliters per square meter of rain today.

According to the CNE, people have to be aware of the possibility of emergencies with the combination of large accumulations of water and soil saturation.

The green alert is a precautionary measure advising people to keep an eye on the rising waters of rivers and creeks and soil erosion.

September and October are the months with the heaviest rainfall for the “rainy” season in Costa Rica. Forecasts are that 20% more rain will occur over that of last year’s rainy season.

The rainy season ends by mid-November, when Costa Rica enters its “dry” season that runs until May and welcomes the beginning of “tourist season” throughout the republic.

Article by QCostaRica.com