Costa Rica is already experiencing the effects of the El Niño weather pattern, with forecasts predicting continued impacts through the first quarter of 2027. The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) anticipates higher temperatures across most of the country alongside a decrease in rainfall. This prolonged El Niño event is expected to cause drier conditions and increased heat. The forecast suggests these changes will persist for an extended period, potentially impacting agriculture, water resources, and public health. Authorities are preparing for the potential consequences of the sustained weather shift. Residents should anticipate altered weather patterns for the coming years.