Costa Rica is bracing for a significant rise in temperatures and a drop in rainfall as a combination of Saharan dust, the midsummer heat wave known as la canícula, and El Niño conditions converge. The Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) has issued a forecast indicating that these factors will intensify in the coming days, leading to hotter and drier conditions across the country.
The presence of Saharan dust — a massive cloud of dry, dusty air from the Sahara Desert — will reduce cloud formation and rainfall, while the midsummer heat wave typically brings a temporary decrease in precipitation. El Niño, a climate pattern characterized by warmer ocean temperatures, further exacerbates the heat and dryness.
Residents should prepare for increased heat stress, especially during peak daytime hours. The reduced rainfall may also affect water supplies and agriculture. Authorities urge precautions against heat-related illnesses and advise monitoring local weather updates.
The IMN continues to track these conditions and will provide further alerts as needed.
Article source: qcostarica.com | Image credit: q costa rica
