The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) is forecasting an “intense” rainy season for 2010 when compared to last year.

The disappearance of El Niño, the meteorological phenomenon that forced dry weather in Costa Rica during 2009, as well as a temperature increase in the Atlantic Ocean, have created conditions favorable for extra rainfall, meteorologists said.

The IMN also predicts that rainfall from eight hurricanes will affect the country between June and October, four of which will be category four or five storms – with winds faster than 240 kilometers per hour (although hurricane winds rarely affect the country directly).

Last year, four hurricanes had an impact on Costa Rica's rainfall. During an average rainy season, six hurricanes can bring heavy rains.

For the month of May, meteorologists forecast a normal amount of rainfall, which, in the Central Valley, means roughly 260 millimeters of precipitation and 21 days of rainfall. Rainfall will strengthen in June, meteorologists said, and surpass averages from August through October.

The Central Valley and the Pacific will be the most affected areas, according to the IMN.