Wind speeds are expected to decrease over the upcoming weekend and into early next week, resulting in lower-than-usual wave heights in both open waters and sheltered areas. However, these reduced wind speeds may result in anomalous north-moving, or even northeastward-moving, showers and thunderstorms.
Typically, the wind across Trinidad and Tobago moves from east to west. However, on Saturday into Sunday, particularly during the afternoon, these easterly winds (winds from the east) are likely to shift, resulting in southerly to even southwesterly winds (winds from the south/southwest. 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 August 12th.
— 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
Adverse Weather Alert Discontinued. Showers, Thunderstorms Still In The Forecast
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 through August 12th. Swell periods are forecast between 6 and 10 seconds, with swells mainly from the north to northeast.
August 7th through 8th: Winds are forecast to range between 10 and 15 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 1.5 to 2.0 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.
August 9th through 11th: Winds are forecast to range between 5 and 10 knots, mainly from the south to southeast. Across western Trinidad, winds are forecast to range between 0 and 10 knots, mainly from the south to southwest; however, westerly winds are possible from midday through mid-afternoon on both days. Wind gusts up to 20 knots are possible, mainly in showers and thunderstorms. Seas in open waters are forecast to remain mostly slight with waves up to 1.25 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are forecast to remain generally smooth, with waves of up to 0.5 meters, but occasionally choppy conditions may occur in heavy showers or thunderstorms.
August 12th through 13th: 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 to moderate, with waves up to 1.5 meters. In sheltered areas, waves are generally forecast to be smooth (0.5m) to 1.0m. Occasionally, choppy conditions, particularly in the Gulf of Paria, are associated with 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.
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 August 12th, 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.
