Through next Monday, hazardous seas are forecast for Trinidad and Tobago primarily due to the presence of long-period swells. However, over the weekend, winds are forecast to increase across the region, agitating seas in open waters while Spring Tides are set to return from Sunday, March 5th, 2023.
Latest Alerts
Hazardous Seas Alert Issued For Northern & Eastern Coastlines of T&T
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning at this time.
Seas Forecast For Trinidad and Tobago
Through Monday, seas in open waters are forecast to remain moderate with waves between 1.5 and 2.0 meters. Through the weekend, winds are set to increase with waves in open waters occasionally up to 2.5 meters. By Tuesday through Wednesday, waves in open waters will remain between 1.25 and 1.75 meters as winds gradually diminish.
Over the next seven days, winds are forecast to range between 10 and 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots, generally from the northeast to east. Over the weekend, winds are forecast to range between 15 and 20 knots, gusting to 30 knots, also from the northeast to east.
Seas in sheltered areas remain near 1.0 meter and choppy due to forecast elevated winds and long-period swells through Monday, returning below 1.0 meter from Tuesday.
Swell periods are forecast to range between 11 and 16 seconds through Monday. These longer-period swells produce larger, battering waves along nearshore areas. Mariners will need to exercise caution.
Possible Impacts
Saharan Dust concentrations are forecast to increase through the next several days, reducing air quality and visibility across the country.
Through Monday, 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.
Additionally, spring tides are forecast to begin from Sunday, March 5th, 2023. These are higher than usual high tides and lower than usual low tides, combined with the presence of higher energy waves due to long-period swells, will increase the rip current threat, particularly long eastern and northern coastlines. Rip currents are strong currents perpendicular to the shoreline that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea.
