Northerly long-period swells are forecast over the next few days, and possibly from early next week, with a Hazardous Seas Alert in effect now through Friday. In addition, elevated winds are forecast this weekend through early 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
Thursday through Friday: 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 15 and 20 knots from the northeast to east-southeast, gusting to 25 knots. A Hazardous Seas Alert is in effect for this period through 8:30 AM Friday.
Saturday through Monday: 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 9 and 15 seconds, with longer-period swells returning by Monday afternoon. Winds are forecast to be near 20 knots from the east-northeast to east-southeast, with gusts up to 28 knots.
Tuesday through Wednesday: Seas are forecast to be moderate open waters, with waves generally between 1.5 and 2.0 meters, and on Tuesday, reaching up to 2.5 meters in northeastern waters. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to be near 1.0 meter, higher on Tuesday, and choppy as well. Swell periods are forecast to range between 8 and 15 seconds. Winds are forecast to range between 15 and 20 knots from the east-northeast to east-southeast, with gusts up to 28 knots.
Possible Impacts
Through the forecast period, the main hazards will result from larger-than-usual waves in nearshore areas caused by northerly long-period swells and agitated offshore conditions due to elevated winds.
Elevated winds, mainly from Saturday through Monday evening, 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.
There will be an elevated risk of rip currents through the forecast period, particularly along northern coastlines. 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 increase over the weekend and during the first half of the week, leading to some decrease in horizontal visibility, particularly during dawn and dusk.
