Three well-defined tropical waves are forecast to move across the Lesser Antilles over the next seven days, leading to anomalous wind flows across Trinidad and Tobago.
Typically, the wind across Trinidad and Tobago moves from east to west. However, on Wednesday and Monday, and to a lesser extent on Saturday, these winds are likely to shift from the south/southeast to the north/northwest. During the afternoon, speeds may even decrease completely, with westerly winds (blowing from west to east) across the western Gulf of Paria and western Trinidad.
The result will be larger-than-usual waves along south-facing and west-facing coastlines of the Gulf of Paria due to the movement of showers and thunderstorms that may develop.
What you need to know
— What’s happening: While slight to moderate seas are forecast across the entire marine area over the next seven days, choppy seas are likely in sheltered areas during heavy showers and thunderstorms. Spring tides are set to end on July 27th.
— Impacts: Choppy seas, caused by elevated winds in showers and thunderstorms, can be hazardous to smaller marine vessels, making operations difficult due to the large waves.
— What Should You Do: Inexperienced mariners should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions, especially those operating smaller vessels during heavy showers and thunderstorms. If you intend to go into the water, it is recommended that you use beaches with lifeguards on duty.
Latest Alerts
High Wind Alert Discontinued For T&T, Occasional Gusts Still Possible
Trinidad and Tobago is NOT under any tropical storm or hurricane threat, watch, or warning at this time.
Seas Forecast For Trinidad and Tobago
Over the next seven days: Spring tides are forecast from July 23rd through July 27th. Swell periods are forecast between 6 and 9 seconds, with swells mainly from the north to northeast.
July 23rd: Winds are forecast to range between 5 and 15 knots mainly from the south to southeast through the late afternoon, becoming easterly by the evening with speeds increasing between 10 and 20 knots into the night. Across western Trinidad, winds are forecast to range between 0 and 10 knots, mainly from the south to southeast; however, westerly winds are possible from midday through mid-afternoon. Wind gusts up to 25 knots are possible, mainly in showers and thunderstorms. Seas in open waters are forecast to remain slight to moderate, with waves between 1.0 and 1.3 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to stay below 1.0 meters, with occasionally choppy conditions in heavy showers or thunderstorms.
July 24th through 25th: Winds are forecast to range between 10 and 20 knots from the east-southeast to east-northeast with gusts to 25 knots. Seas in open waters are forecast to remain moderate, with waves ranging from 1.25 to 1.5 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are generally forecast to be near 1.0 meters. Occasionally, choppy conditions, particularly in the Gulf of Paria, are likely in isolated heavy showers or thunderstorms. A surge of Saharan Dust is forecast to move across T&T from Thursday, with higher dust levels mainly north of the country. Still, horizontal visibility may decrease as low as 8 kilometers, particularly on Thursday.
July 26th: Winds are forecast to range between 5 and 15 knots, mainly from the south to southeast, through the late afternoon. Across western Trinidad, winds are forecast to range between 0 and 10 knots, mainly from the south to southeast; however, westerly winds are possible from midday through mid-afternoon. Wind gusts up to 20 knots are possible, mainly in showers and thunderstorms. Seas in open waters are forecast to remain slight to moderate, with waves up to 1.3 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to stay below 1.0 meters, with occasionally choppy conditions in heavy showers or thunderstorms.
July 27th: Winds are forecast to range between 5 and 15 knots from the southeast to east-northeast with gusts to 20 knots. Seas in open waters are forecast to remain slight, with waves up to 1.25 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are generally forecast to be near calm to smooth. Occasionally, choppy conditions, particularly in the Gulf of Paria, are likely in isolated heavy showers or thunderstorms.
July 28th: Winds are forecast to range between 5 and 15 knots mainly from the northeast to north through midday, then south to southeast through the late afternoon with speeds increasing between 10 and 20 knots into the night. Across western Trinidad, winds are forecast to range between 0 and 10 knots, mainly from the south to southeast; however, westerly winds are possible from mid-morning through mid-afternoon. Wind gusts up to 25 knots are possible, mainly in showers and thunderstorms. Seas in open waters are forecast to be moderate, with waves between 1.0 and 2.0 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to stay below 1.0 meters, with occasionally choppy conditions in heavy showers or thunderstorms.
July 29th: Winds are forecast to range between 15 and 20 knots from the east-southeast to east-northeast with gusts to 25 knots. Seas in open waters are forecast to be moderate, with waves up to 1.5 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are generally forecast to be near 1.0 meters. Occasionally, choppy conditions, particularly in the Gulf of Paria, are likely in isolated heavy showers or thunderstorms.
What should you do
All marine interests should practice common-sense safety. 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. Inexperienced swimmers, if intending to go into the water, should use beaches with lifeguards on duty.
Northwesterly, to at times westerly afternoon winds, 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- and west-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.
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.
With spring tides through July 27th, 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.
