While no hazardous marine events are forecast over the next seven days, marine interests, particularly small craft operators, will need to exercise caution from this weekend due to a high-concentration Saharan Dust surge arriving across T&T. Spring Tides are also forecast to return across T&T from Sunday.
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: Seas are forecast to be moderate in open waters as elevated winds gradually decrease. Open water waves are forecast to be between 1.5 and 2.0 meters, occasionally reaching up to 2.2 meters in northeastern areas. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to reach up to 1.5 meters, and conditions are forecast to be occasionally choppy, particularly in isolated showers or odd thunderstorms, favoring the Gulf of Paria and Columbus Channel. Winds across T&T’s marine areas are forecast to range between 10 and 15 knots from the east to southeast, gusting to 25 knots. Swell periods are forecast to range between 8 and 12 seconds.
Friday to Saturday: Winds are forecast to notably decrease across T&T due to the presence of a low-level to surface trough over the area. As a result, seas are forecast to be slight to moderate in open waters, with waves up to 1.5 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to be between 0.5 and 1 meter, but conditions may become locally rough and/or choppy in the vicinity of heavy showers or the occasional thunderstorm. Winds are forecast to range between 5 knots and 15 knots from south to east, gusting to 25 knots, mainly in the vicinity of showers or evening/nighttime thunderstorms. Swell periods are forecast to range between 8 and 12 seconds. Note that on Saturday, Saharan Dust concentrations will significantly increase, reducing horizontal visibility, particularly by dusk.
PM Saturday through Sunday: Seas are forecast to be moderate open waters, with waves up to 1.5 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to be below 1 meter. Swell periods are forecast to range between 8 and 11 seconds. Winds are forecast to be between 10 knots and 15 knots from east-southeast to northeast, with gusts up to 20 knots. A significant concentration of Saharan Dust is forecast to be present, reducing horizontal visibility. Spring tides are forecast to begin on Sunday.
Monday through Wednesday: Seas are forecast to be moderate in open waters, with waves up to 2.0 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to be near 1.0 meter. Swell periods are forecast to range between 6 and 11 seconds. Winds are forecast to range between 15 and 20 knots from the east-southeast to northeast, gusting to 25 knots. High Saharan Dust concentrations are forecast to be present, still reducing horizontal visibility, particularly at dawn and dusk. Spring tides are forecast to be ongoing.
Possible Impacts
Through the forecast period, small craft operators particularly will need to exercise caution due to reduced visibility as Saharan Dust concentrations increase.
Spring tides, which are higher-than-usual high tides and lower-than-usual low tides, are forecast to begin on April 21st. Mariners and beachgoers will need to exercise caution at both low and high tide levels.
There will be an elevated risk of rip currents, mainly from Sunday, April 21st. 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.
