A significant surge of Saharan Dust, combined with a surge in trade winds, is moving across the region. Over the next week, elevated low-level winds are forecast to persist, accompanied by periods of showers and thunderstorms, resulting in agitated seas in both open waters and sheltered areas. Additionally, occasional long-period swells are forecast during this period, particularly by next weekend.
What you need to know
— What & Where: The entire marine area will be affected by Saharan Dust and elevated low-level winds, while northern and eastern regions are forecast to be affected by long-period swells. In sheltered areas, choppy seas are likely in heavy showers and thunderstorms.
— When: Peak Saharna Dust concentrations are ongoing now (Sunday) through tomorrow (Monday) with elevated winds peaking between Monday and Wednesday morning, as well as from Friday through Saturday. Occasional long-period swells are possible from Monday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon, with more significant long-period swells forecast from the upcoming weekend.
— Impacts: Large open water waves or choppy seas, caused by elevated winds, can be hazardous to smaller marine vessels, making operations difficult due to the large waves. Larger waves, particularly due to long-period swells, along northern and eastern coastlines may lead to beach erosion. Elevated threat of rip currents on northern and eastern coastlines.
— What Should You Do: All marine interests need to exercise caution, while small craft operators should seek safe harbor when heavy showers or thunderstorms are nearby. Inexperienced mariners should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions, especially those operating smaller vessels. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to unsafe surf conditions, particularly during the upcoming weekend. If you intend to go into the water, it is recommended that you use beaches with on-duty lifeguards. Secure objects on the beachfront that the wave action or winds may sweep away over the next seven days.
Latest Alerts
Adverse Weather Alert Discontinued, Rainfall Still Forecast 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
Monday, June 9th to Wednesday, June 11th: Winds are forecast to remain from the east-northeast to southeast between 15 and 25 knots, with gusts to 30 knots. Seas in open waters are forecast to remain moderate, with waves between 2.0 meters and 2.5 meters in height. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to be near 1.0 meters and choppy, mainly near heavy showers and thunderstorms. Swell periods are forecast to range between 8 and 13 seconds coming in from the north to northeast, with peak swells forecast between Monday night and Wednesday morning. Through Monday, significant Saharan Dust is forecast to reduce horizontal visibility to 5 kilometers. Combined with elevated winds and sea spray, horizontal visibility may become hazardous for smaller craft operating in open waters.
Thursday, June 12th: Winds are forecast to range between 15 and 20 knots, with gusts to 25 knots. Seas in open waters are forecast to remain moderate with waves between 2.0 meters and 2.5 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to be near 1.0 meters and choppy, particularly near and during heavy showers and thunderstorms. Swell periods are forecast to range between 8 and 11 seconds from the north.
Friday, June 13th to Sunday, June 15th: Winds are forecast to range between 15 and 25 knots from the east-southeast and east-northeast with gusts to 30 knots, with winds peaking on Friday. Seas in open waters are forecast to remain moderate, with waves between 2.0 meters and 2.5 meters, but on Saturday, seas may occasionally become rough as open water waves in northeastern areas may exceed 2.5 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to be near 1.0 meters and choppy on Friday. However, longer-range modelling shows a potentially significant swell event from Saturday, with swell periods reaching as high as 18 seconds from the north, gradually decreasing by Monday, June 16th. We are still five to six days away, and certainty will increase as we near the weekend.
Spring tides are forecast to begin today (Sunday, June 8th, 2025) and continue through Saturday, June 14th, 2025.
What should you do
All marine interests need to exercise caution, while small craft operators should seek safe harbor during heavy showers and thunderstorms. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.
Occasional long-period swells are forecast to bring occasional battering waves along the northern exposed coastlines of both islands, particularly Monday through Wednesday, and potentially from Saturday.
With elevated winds in showers or thunderstorms forecast, secure objects on the beachfront that could be swept away by wave action or winds, particularly on Thursday through Friday, and again from Saturday night through Monday morning.
Inexperienced swimmers should avoid the water during heavy showers or thunderstorms due to the likelihood of unsafe surf conditions. If they intend to go into the water, it is recommended that they use beaches with lifeguards on duty.
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 or breaking wave conditions may drag the vessel onto the ocean floor or reefs in shallow waters, or even break the anchorage or mooring.
