The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) forecasts the second half of the 2023 Dry Season to have above-average temperatures.
While both daytime and nighttime temperatures are likely to be warmer than average across both islands, overall higher chances for warm temperatures exist in Trinidad over Tobago.
Specifically, the TTMS forecasts a 56% chance of warmer-than-average days in northwestern areas, while there is a 51% chance for southwestern Tobago. In addition, the TTMS is also forecasting a 52% chance of warmer nighttime temperatures in Trinidad, while Tobago has a 48% chance.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the local heat season begins at the end of April, peaking from August through October. From the end of April, maximum temperatures can get as high as 35.0°C in Trinidad and as high as 34.0°C in Tobago.
For May and June 2023, the Met Office is forecasting a moderate chance (65%) for short-duration hot spells (where three days, but less than five days, record maximum high temperatures in Trinidad exceeding 34.0°C and exceeding 33.0°C in Tobago)
Generally, 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, though temperatures are Piarco, and Crown Point may not necessarily reach this high.
| Trinidad (Piarco) | Tobago (Crown Point) | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Maximum High Temperature | 32.8°C | 31.1°C |
| Record Maximum High Temperature | 36.3°C (Apr. 16th, 2016) | 36.3°C (April 16th, 2016) |
| Average Minimum Low Temperature | 23.6°C | 24.5°C |
| Record Minimum Low Temperature | 33.7°C (April 10th, 2004) | 17.8°C (April 15th, 1976) |
Year-to-date, as of March 31st, 2023, the hottest temperature recorded at Piarco occurred on March 28th with a temperature of 33.2°C, while at Crown Point, the hottest temperature was recorded on March 25th and 30th at 31.2°C. Meanwhile, the coolest temperature at Piarco year to date was 18.3°C on January 30th, while at Crown Point, the lowest minimum low was 21.6°C recorded on February 3rd and 22nd.
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.
