The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) is forecasting yet another Wet Season with above-average temperatures.
For the 2022 Wet Season, the TTMS says there is a 45% chance for maximum day temperatures and minimum nighttime temperatures to be above average.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the local heat season has its peak during August through October, and the TTMS is forecasting maximum temperatures to reach or exceed 34.0°C during this time. There are also elevated chances for short-duration hot spells and “heat surges” where maximum temperatures reach or exceed 34.0°C during September and early October.
According to the TTMS, cities and urban areas have the highest chance for warmer than average temperatures and are likely to get the most intense heat, with temperatures likely to reach or exceed 35.0°C.
However, with increased rainfall during August, the wettest month for T&T, slightly cooler than usual temperatures are forecast, with elevated chances of near-normal temperatures. For August, based on the 1971-2022 data, the average maximum high at Piarco is 32.2°C, while at Crown Point, Tobago, it is 30.8°C.
What does this mean for you?
Higher than usual and extreme temperatures can lead to relatively excessive heat for Trinidad and Tobago during the peak of the local heat season, which can amplify existing health conditions in vulnerable persons and worsen chronic health conditions in others.
Increased heat may increase the need to access cooling, which requires energy and strains the electrical grid and pockets due to increased electricity usage.
Issues may also arise for farmers as hot days and spells can cause heat stress in livestock and wilting in newly transplanted and younger crops. Aquatic farms may also suffer as warmer than usual temperatures can lead to warmer than usual water temperatures, which are particularly important for the health of aquaponic fishes and plants. Water temperatures much warmer than 30.0°C can affect warm-water fishes such as tilapia.
