Over the next week, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is forecast to remain near and, at times, across Trinidad and Tobago. As a result, mostly light and variable winds are forecast across the country’s waters, leading to reduced wave heights in open waters and near-calm conditions in sheltered areas.
However, with a weak southerly flow likely from Friday, evening thunderstorms from Venezuela’s northern coast, as well as any afternoon thunderstorms that develop along western coastal Trinidad, will begin to move northward. This movement, combined with downdrafts from heavy showers and thunderstorms, will lead to choppy seas in the Gulf of Paria and larger-than-usual waves, particularly along south-facing coastlines.
With a new moon occurring on September 2nd, spring tides are also forecast to begin from Friday.
Latest Alert
Adverse Weather Alert In Effect For T&T As Tropical Disturbance Nears Region
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning at this time.
Seas Forecast For Trinidad and Tobago
Now (Tuesday) through Monday: Over the next seven days, the general sea state is forecast to be slight in open waters with waves up to 1.25 meters through Friday and up to 1 meter from Saturday into next week. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to remain near calm to calm outside of shower and thunderstorm activity. Swell periods are forecast to remain below 9 seconds.
Wind speeds will remain below 10 knots, with gusts to 15 knots, again outside of showers and thunderstorms, while wind speeds are forecast to be variable:
Tuesday: Up to 10 knots from the northeast to the east. Near-calm winds by nightfall.
Wednesday: Light and variable winds, with peak winds from the south from the early morning through the early afternoon.
Thursday: Winds less than 10 knots from the south-southeast to east.
Friday: Winds less than 10 knots from the south-southeast to east.
Saturday through Monday: Near calm to very light winds from the south, less than 5 knots generally but up to 10 knots.
Possible Impacts
As mentioned earlier, with a weak southerly flow likely from Friday, evening thunderstorms from Venezuela’s northern coast and any afternoon thunderstorms that develop along western coastal Trinidad will begin to move northward. This movement, combined with downdrafts from heavy showers and thunderstorms, will lead to choppy seas in the Gulf of Paria and larger-than-usual waves, particularly along south-facing coastlines.
Mariners should generally exercise caution during heavy showers or thunderstorms, as seas may become locally rough or choppy in their vicinity, particularly due to gusty winds.
Spring Tides, higher-than-usual high tides, and lower-than-usual low tides are forecast to begin on Friday. All marine interests are advised to exercise caution, particularly during high tide periods.
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.
