Low-level winds are forecast to remain elevated this week, leading to rough seas in T&T’s northeastern coastal waters, choppy conditions in sheltered areas and, with spring tides ongoing, potentially hazardous conditions for small craft and beachgoers.
Latest Alert
Hazardous Seas Alert Discontinued For 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
Tuesday through Friday: Seas are forecast to be moderate to rough in open waters, with waves generally between 1.5 and 2.5 meters, but particularly in eastern and northeastern waters, waves as high as 3.0 meters are forecast. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to be below 1.5 meters and conditions are forecast to be choppy. Swell periods are forecast to range between 9 and 14 seconds. Winds are forecast to range between 15 and 20 knots from the northeast to east-southeast with gusts between 25 and 30 knots, particularly Monday night through Friday. Spring tides are ongoing.
Saturday through Monday: Seas are forecast to be moderate in open waters, with waves between 1.5 and 2.0 meters, occasionally higher in northeastern areas. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to be below 1.0 meter but remain choppy. Swell periods are forecast to range between 7 and 10 seconds. Winds are forecast to range between 10 and 20 knots from the northeast to east-southeast, gusting near 20 knots. Spring tides to end on Sunday.
Possible Impacts
The main hazard through the next five days will be elevated low-level winds, gusting as high as 30 knots. While there are no marine alerts (Hazardous Seas Alert) or wind alerts (High Wind Alert) from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service, strong winds are set to create hazardous conditions for small craft operators, particularly those in northeastern and eastern coastal areas. Large, open water swells can be hazardous to some vessels and operation of smaller craft can be difficult during this time, particularly from Tuesday through Friday.
Additionally, spring tides are forecast to begin on Monday, January 22nd, 2024 and continue through Sunday, January 28th, 2024, resulting in higher-than-usual high tides and lower-than-usual low tides.
There will be an elevated risk of rip currents through the forecast period. If caught in a rip current, swim perpendicular to the current (parallel to the shore). Mariners, especially small craft operators, should ensure their vessels are securely anchored or docked as choppy/breaking wave conditions may drag the vessel onto the ocean floor or reefs in shallow waters or even break anchorage/mooring.
Saharan Dust concentrations are forecast to be minimal or not present during the forecast period. Daytime haze is also not forecast to affect visibility significantly.
