Seas are forecast to generally remain slight, occasionally moderate, across Trinidad and Tobago through the next three days, becoming moderate by mid-week. Through the next several days, a combination of spring tides and long-period swells are forecast to agitate seas, particularly in sheltered and nearshore areas of T&T’s northern and eastern coastlines.
There are no sea-based alerts, watches, or warnings from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service for Trinidad and Tobago at this time.
Seas Forecast For Trinidad and Tobago
Through the next three days, as low-level winds marginally increase, seas in open waters become slight to moderate, with waves up to 1.5 meters and below 1.0 meter in sheltered areas with occasionally choppy conditions in heavy showers or thunderstorm activity, mainly in the Gulf of Paria. While winds will not agitate seas in sheltered areas, larger than usual waves are forecast along the country’s northern and eastern coastlines (predominantly) due to long-period swells from Saturday evening.
Through the next three days, long-period swells (> 11-second period) are forecast with swell periods up to 16 seconds, mainly from the north-northeast to the northeast. These swells are forecast to subside by Tuesday night gradually.
Winds are forecast to be gentle to moderate, with sustained winds between 5 to 15 knots from the east-northeast to east-southeast generally through the forecast period. Gusts may occasionally exceed 20 knots in the vicinity of heavy showers or thunderstorms. By Wednesday through Saturday, winds may be variable but predominantly from the south to southeast due to an active Intertropical Convergence Zone present.
Possible Impacts
Mild, fluctuating concentrations of Saharan Dust are forecast across Trinidad and Tobago through Thursday, marginally reducing visibility and air quality.
From tonight (Saturday night) through Tuesday night, long-period swells are forecast. Swells with longer periods produce larger waves along the coastline, which can be battering and cause the following:
- Loss of life;
- Injuries;
- Coastal erosion;
- Localized disruptions of businesses;
- Damage or loss of boats and fishing equipment;
- Disruptions to marine recreation and businesses
- Economic losses.
With a new moon on October 25th, spring tides are forecast to begin on October 22nd, 2022, through October 28th, 2022. These are higher than usual high tides and lower than usual low tides which may increase the risk of rip currents, particularly with the presence of higher energy waves due to long-period swells over the weekend. Rip currents are strong currents perpendicular to the shoreline that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea. Elevated high tides will also slow runoff and lead to a slower reduction of river levels following possible heavy rain during the latter part of the upcoming week.
How to spot a rip current
Rip Currents
High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties. Breaking waves may occasionally impact harbors making navigating the harbor channel dangerous.
Saltwater may splash onto low-lying coastal roads such as Pigeon Point Road, the Guayaguayare Mayaro Road at the Guayaguayare Sea Wall, and the Manzanilla-Mayaro Road. Bays and beaches may temporarily become inundated.
Coral reefs may experience increased stress and damage, in addition to localized beach erosion, particularly in areas where battering waves focus.
