A low-level jet is forecast to develop across the Southern Windwards, producing strong winds at low levels of the atmosphere as a well-defined tropical wave moves across the region. In heavy showers and thunderstorms, these strong winds can reach the surface, producing damaging gusty winds.
Over the next 24 hours, Tropical Wave 14, the Intertropical Convergence Zone, and this low-level jet are all forecast to interact across mainly north of T&T, with strong winds and locally heavy rainfall generally remaining north of the country. The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring this wave for development, but development is not expected until this wave moves into the Western Caribbean later this week.
What you need to know
— Rainfall: Through the next 24 hours, isolated areas of rain, moderate to heavy showers, and isolated thunderstorms are forecast, interrupting variably cloudy skies. Peak intense activity is forecast overnight tonight through Tuesday morning with overall stronger winds and heavier rainfall staying offshore northern and eastern coastal areas. Over the next 24 hours, an additional 15-25 millimeters of rain is forecast across Trinidad and Tobago, with isolated higher amounts ranging between 25-50 millimeters favoring eastern areas of Trinidad and Tobago.
— Hazards: Gusty winds in excess of 45 KM/H (expected) to in excess of 55 KM/H (likely) are forecast. Stronger gusts are forecast to accompany heavy showers or thunderstorms. Lightning will accompany thunderstorms.
Latest Alert
Hot Spell Watch Discontinued, Warm Temperatures Still Forecast
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning at this time.
The High Wind Alert
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issued a High-Wind Alert (Yellow Level) on Monday afternoon at 3:16 PM. The alert goes into effect from 10:00 PM Monday, June 24th, 2024, and remains in effect through 12:00 PM (noon) Tuesday, June 25th, 2024. The alert is in effect for Trinidad, Tobago, and offshore areas.
Trinidad and Tobago is not under any tropical storm watch or warning at this time.
“There is a high potential (70%) for wind gusts in excess of 55km/h, especially in the vicinity of showers overnight into tomorrow. These strong winds may be brief but are capable of displacing unsecured roofs and loose outdoor objects and can even topple trees and weak structures. Sea conditions are expected to be additionally agitated with waves reaching above 2.5 m in open waters and choppy in sheltered areas.” according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service. This “alert” status takes into account the possibility of the event occurring. This high wind event is likely.
The color of the alert indicates the severity of the event and the probability of the event occurring. Currently, the alert level is Yellow. This means that the hazard has is likely, but the severity of impacts is moderate for this particular alert. You should be aware of the hazards in your area associated mainly with gusty winds in excess of 55 KM/H.
These include the toppling of potted plants and light objects outdoors falling over or becoming airborne. Larger but weaker trees may fall, causing roof damage or downing power lines and utility poles. Unsecured roofs may be damaged. These strong winds are forecast to agitate seas and reduce visibility in marine areas.
For a moderate High Wind Alert, there is the potential for possible injuries, where behavioral changes are required to ensure safety. There may be minor damage to property, with income-earning temporarily disrupted, and a couple of communities are affected.
The Met Office is advising the public to secure loose items outdoors and livestock. Small craft operators should be on the alert for above-normal or choppy sea conditions in strong winds. The public should monitor weather conditions and updates from official sources.
