Field School Kickoff: Focus on Tropical Weather and Forecasting
The fourth edition of the “Field School – Costa Rica” has officially begun, offering 13 students a unique opportunity to explore the extraordinary biodiversity and natural phenomena of one of the most environmentally rich countries in the world.
Participants will be guided by Unimore experts and members of the Modena-based association “Foreste per Sempre ODV”: Matteo Dal Zotto, Luca Lombroso, Giulia Santunione, Stefano Francesconi, and Dario Sonetti.
The primary operational base will be our Research Station in the Karen Mogensen Reserve, which not only supports biodiversity research but also facilitates meteorological monitoring, crucial for understanding tropical environmental dynamics.
Weather Forecast During the Field School
After an unusually rainy start to January for the dry season, conditions have now stabilized. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), responsible for tropical rainfall, has shifted southward, allowing drier air to flow in due to intensified trade winds, an indirect effect of the recent cold front in the United States. Over the coming days, a temporary northward movement of the ITCZ is expected but is unlikely to bring significant rainfall due to persistent dry air between 3,000 and 10,000 meters.
Forecast for Montezuma, Cabo Blanco, and the Karen Mogensen Reserve
- Temperature: highs between 29°C and 33°C, lows between 22°C and 26°C.
- Wind: moderate gusts up to 30 km/h, particularly in the evening hours.
- Precipitation: while some models and weather apps indicate a chance of rain, this is unlikely, as is often the case in tropical regions where forecasts are less precise.
- Thom Index: will range between 25 and 28, indicating moderate to strong heat discomfort during the hottest hours, with more tolerable conditions at night.
- UV Index: values will peak at 9-10 between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, signifying very high sun exposure. Proper protection (sunscreen, hats, sunglasses) is essential.
A Seminar to Understand Tropical Weather
The Field School will also feature a seminar on tropical meteorology, giving participants the chance to understand local phenomena such as the ITCZ, trade winds, and rainfall variability. These topics are essential for studying the relationship between climate, biodiversity, and environmental impacts.
We encourage students and participants to consult the Meteorological and Bioclimatic Station’s data daily and to observe the local flora, fauna, skies, and clouds to familiarize themselves with instruments and weather variables. Local forecasts, while providing a general overview, should always be supplemented with field observations for a comprehensive understanding of tropical dynamics.