Northerly long-period swells are forecast this weekend, with a Hazardous Seas Alert in effect through Sunday. In addition, elevated winds are forecast this weekend through the first half of next week, which may also agitate seas in open waters. All marine interests are advised to exercise extreme caution.
Latest Alert
Adverse Weather 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
Saturday through Sunday: Seas are forecast to be moderate in open waters, with waves between 1.5 and 2.0 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to be near 1.0 meter but remain choppy. Swell periods are forecast to reach as high as 16 seconds. Winds are forecast to range between 10 and 20 knots from the east-northeast to east-southeast, gusting to 25 knots. A Hazardous Seas Alert is in effect for this period.
Monday through Tuesday: Seas are forecast to be moderate open waters, with waves generally between 1.5 and 2.0 meters, but particularly in eastern and northeastern waters, waves as high as 2.5 meters are forecast. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to be below 1.5 meters and with choppy conditions. Swell periods are forecast to range between 8 and 12 seconds. Winds are forecast to range between 15 and 20 knots from the east-northeast to east-southeast, with gusts up to 25 knots.
Wednesday through Friday: Seas are forecast to be moderate open waters, with waves generally between 1.5 and 2.0 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to be near 1.0 meter. Swell periods are forecast to range between 7 and 11 seconds. Winds are forecast to range between 10 and 15 knots from the east-northeast to east-southeast, with gusts up to 20 knots. Spring tides are forecast to begin on Thursday.
Possible Impacts
Through Sunday, the main hazards will result from larger than usual waves in nearshore areas from long-period swells and agitated offshore conditions due to elevated winds.
Elevated winds may 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 smaller craft operations can be difficult during this time. In nearshore areas, northerly swells will also pose a hazard for mariners and beachgoers.
Additionally, spring tides are forecast to begin on February 22nd, 2024, resulting in higher-than-usual high tides and lower-than-usual low tides.
There will be an elevated risk of rip currents through Sunday and again from Thursday. 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 decrease over the weekend and during the first half of the week, leading to improvement in horizontal visibility, particularly during dawn and dusk.
