Seas Forecast: Elevated Winds to Agitate Seas in Open Waters

A surge of low-level winds is forecast to accompany Tropical Wave 24’s passage by mid-week, leading to moderate seas in open waters through the weekend.

With a full moon on July 21st, spring tides are forecast to continue through July 24th, requiring caution from mariners.

Additionally, forecast rainfall from a low-level trough, the Intertropical Convergence Zone and Tropical Wave 24 from Tuesday through mainly Thursday, seas are likely to become choppy or locally rough in and near heavy showers and thunderstorms.

Latest Alert

Adverse Weather Alert Discontinued For T&T

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has discontinued the Adverse Weather Alert for Trinidad and Tobago. — What has happened: Fast-moving showers and thunderstorms affected…

Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning at this time.

Seas Forecast For Trinidad and Tobago

Sea state through the next seven days as generally slight to moderate seas are forecast. Note that sheltered areas include bays, beaches, and generally, the Gulf of Paria and western areas of the Columbus Channel in Trinidad and the western coasts of Tobago. Open waters are the Atlantic Ocean (Eastern Trinidad and Tobago), the Eastern Columbus Channel (Southern Trinidad), and the Caribbean Sea (north of Trinidad, west of Tobago).

Tuesday: Seas are forecast to be slight to moderate in open waters, with waves up to 1.5 meters. In sheltered areas, conditions are forecast to be smooth to near calm, with waves forecast to be less than 0.5 meters. In heavy showers and/or thunderstorms, seas can become locally choppy or rough. Winds are forecast to be from the east to south between 5 to 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. Swell periods between 6 and 9 seconds, with swells from the northeast. Spring Tides ongoing.

Wednesday through Saturday: Seas are forecast to be moderate in open waters with waves up to 2.0 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to remain below 1 meter. In heavy showers and/or thunderstorms, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday, seas can become locally choppy or rough. Winds are forecast to increase between 15 to 20 knots from the east-northeast to east-southeast, gusting to 25 knots, and in heavy downpours, up to 30 knots. Swell periods are forecast to remain between 6 and 9 seconds, with swell heights as high as 1.5 meters, particularly from Friday. Spring Tides ends on Wednesday.

Sunday through Monday: Seas are forecast to be slight to moderate in open waters, with waves up to 1.5 meters. In sheltered areas, conditions are forecast to be smooth to near calm, with waves forecast to be less than 0.5 meters. In heavy showers and/or thunderstorms, seas can become locally choppy or rough. Winds are forecast to be from the east-northeast to east-southeast between 5 to 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. Swell periods between 6 and 9 seconds, with swells from the northeast.

Tidal forecast for Port of Spain, Trinidad (above) and Scarborough, Tobago (below) courtesy Tide-Forecast.com

Possible Impacts

No major marine impacts are forecast over the next seven days. However, mariners should exercise caution during periods of heavy showers or thunderstorms, as seas may become locally rough or choppy in their vicinity, particularly due to gusty winds.

Spring Tides, which are higher-than-usual high tides and lower-than-usual low tides, are forecast to end on July 24th. All marine interests are advised to exercise caution, particularly during high tide periods.

Lastly, Saharan Dust levels are forecast to increase once more from July 24th, leading to increasingly hazy skies and marginally decreased horizontal visibility, particularly near dust and dawn.

Rip currents always pose a hazard on the nation’s beaches. 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.

How to spot a rip current

Rip Currents

Going to the beach is one of Trinidad and Tobago’s favorite pastimes, but not too far from the shore lies a seemingly hidden danger – rip currents. As waves crash on our…

Total
0
Shares
Total
0
Share