The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service is warning of extremely hot conditions predominantly over Trinidad and Tobago from the 15th to the 29th of September 2023.
There is a high (80%) probability that temperatures near 34.0 °C or greater are expected to continue roughly over the next two weeks across Trinidad. Warm-to-hot conditions near 32.5 °C or greater are expected to occur across Tobago. In cities, urban and built-up areas, the maximum temperatures are expected to be high (near to or greater than 34.0 °C) and feel-like temperatures particularly when the winds are calm to light will likely to range between 34.0 °C and 44.0 °C.
The hottest time of the day is between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. High temperatures can be hazardous to health, especially to the elderly, sick adults, and young children.
Therefore, a proactive approach to lessen the effects of hot spell conditions should be adopted. Climatic conditions: Trinidad and Tobago is in its heat season, which runs from May to October.
In general, during September months, the islands experience mostly hot sunny periods and warm nights. The winds are generally weak but with occasionally moderate strength coming from the east to southeast with wind speeds of 20-30km/h.
Present climatic conditions: During this September, there are many climatic features working together to promote warmer to hotter days.
The winds are calm to light, with fewer cloudy periods which enables greater incoming solar radiation, particularly during the mid-morning to afternoon periods.
These climatic features are:
1. A moderately strong El Nino which generally restricts cloud development;
2. A negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) which encourages weak winds across the Caribbean;
3. A warmer than usual Atlantic Ocean Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) east of the Trinidad and Tobago;
4. The apparent local position of the sun at our latitude;
5. Southeasterly flow of wind from the equatorial region.