Current Weather in Liberia

Cultural and meteorological consciousness regarding Costa Rica's climate is deeply integrated into daily life and culture through the rhythms of the rainy and dry seasons unique to the tropical climate, shaped by a value system that emphasizes coexistence with nature.

Deep Sensitivity to Rainy and Dry Seasons

Characteristics of the Rainy Season (May to November)

• Squalls are likely to occur on consecutive days, and carrying an umbrella in preparation for sudden rain during the day has become commonplace.
• The lush scenery of fields before and after the rainy season is referred to as the “Emerald Season” and is utilized as a tourist resource.

Characteristics of the Dry Season (December to April)

• Sunny weather continues, and local rules for preventing wildfires and grassland burning are strictly observed.
• The dry season is the peak for tourism, and attention is paid to price fluctuations at resorts and national parks.

Traditional Events and Climate

Coffee Harvest Festival (Festival de la Cosecha de Café)

• This festival is held in conjunction with the dry season, featuring evaluations of completed coffee beans and farm tour excursions.
• Locals choose good weather days to enjoy parades and music events of the harvest festival.

Indigenous Harvest Rituals

• In communities of indigenous peoples such as the Bribri, a thanksgiving ceremony to the water spirits is held before the arrival of the rainy season, praying for bountiful harvests.

Agriculture and Meteorological Risk Management

Coffee Production and Precipitation

• In highland coffee farms, rainfall patterns are meticulously recorded to determine the optimal harvesting time.
• During abnormal rainfall, a switch from sun drying to machine drying is made.

Adaptation Strategies for Banana Plantations

• During droughts, drip irrigation systems are utilized to ensure efficient use of water resources.
• To reduce the risk of pests and diseases, pest control plans based on meteorological data are mandated.

Ecotourism and Meteorological Knowledge

Rainfall Maps and Exploration Plans

• Guides refer to weekly rainfall forecasts to adjust the timing of waterfall tours and jungle trekking.
• For safety, in the event of heavy rain predictions, the risk of river swelling is explained, and visit routes are changed.

Wildlife Observation and Weather Conditions

• On whale and dolphin watching tours, wave and wind forecasts are always checked, and decisions on whether to depart are made.
• For bird watching, early morning tours are scheduled to align with fog occurrence times.

Modern Climate Consciousness and Challenges

Effects of Climate Change and Countermeasures

• In response to the increased frequency of tropical storms, community-level evacuation plan training is conducted regularly.
• In reforestation projects, precipitation simulations are used to select planting locations.

Environmental Education and Local Cooperation

• The introduction of weather stations in school education is progressing, allowing children to experience weather observation.
• NGOs and local governments collaborate to operate a meteorological data public platform.

Summary

Costa Rica's climate consciousness is characterized by its close connection of cultural events, agriculture, tourism, and education, not merely talking about the weather, but achieving harmony with nature.