Through next Monday, agitated seas are forecast for Trinidad and Tobago primarily due to long-period swells. In addition, over the weekend, winds are forecast to increase across the region, agitating seas in open waters, while Spring Tides are set to return from Tuesday, April 6th, 2023.
Seas Forecast For Trinidad and Tobago
Through next week, seas in open waters are forecast to remain moderate, with waves between 1.5 and 2.0 meters. Winds are set to increase through the weekend, with waves in open waters occasionally exceeding the 2.0-meter mark.
Over the next seven days, winds are forecast to range between 15 and 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots, generally from the northeast to east. Over the weekend, winds are forecast to remain near 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots from the northeast to east.
Seas in sheltered areas remain near 1.0 meter and choppy, mainly across northern and eastern coastlines and north-facing coasts in the Gulf of Paria due to elevated forecast winds and long-period swells, returning below 1.0 meter from Tuesday.
Mariners will need to exercise caution. Swell periods are forecast to range between 9 and 14 seconds through Monday. These longer-period swells produce larger, battering waves along nearshore areas.
Possible Impacts
Saharan Dust concentrations are forecast to increase from Monday, April 3rd, 2023, 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 on Tuesday, April 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, which 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.
