A mix of spring tides, long-period swells, and elevated winds are forecast to keep seas somewhat agitated through the next seven days. While seas are forecast to remain below levels that may trigger a Hazardous Seas Alert from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service, extreme caution is advised by mariners and sea bathers as we head into the 2023 Easter Holiday.
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 Friday into Saturday, with waves in open waters occasionally exceeding the 2.0-meter mark.
Over the next seven days, winds are forecast to range between 10 and 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots, generally from the northeast to the southeast. On Friday into Saturday, winds are forecast to remain near 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots from the northeast to the southeast.
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 Monday.
Mariners will need to exercise caution. Swell periods are forecast to range between 9 and 13 seconds through Friday and then again from Monday. These longer-period swells produce larger, battering waves along nearshore areas.
Possible Impacts
Saharan Dust concentrations are forecast to remain elevated into next week, reducing air quality and visibility across the country.
Through Friday, and again from 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 continue through Sunday, April 9th, 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.
