Climate Change Editor
jean-marc.rampersad
@guardian.co.tt
Despite several heavy showers early yesterday, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) discontinued its Adverse Weather Alert. The update was issued yesterday at 10.20 am, as the threat of significant rainfall had decreased.
The Riverine Flood Alert was also downgraded yesterday to a Yellow Level, with river levels generally trending downwards.
However, the level at El Carmen on the Caroni River remained critical, and areas nearby, such as Trantrill Road in St Augustine South, were still experiencing floodwaters.
The adverse weather also impacted WASA’s surface water treatment plants, particularly in Tobago and northern areas of Trinidad. While several plants quickly returned to service, some are still awaiting clearer river conditions to restart operations.
Yesterday, the TTMS also issued a Yellow Level High Wind Alert, as there was a high potential for gusts exceeding 55 km/h. The alert runs until midday tomorrow.
The TTMS warned, “These gusts may be brief but strong enough to displace unsecured roofs, loose outdoor items and can even topple trees or weak structures.”
The strong winds also brought an influx of Saharan dust, which was noticeable yesterday and is expected to peak today. As a result, the moderate air quality levels reported by the EMA’s stations yesterday are expected to rise today. The dust concentration is expected to decrease by Monday as a tropical wave approaches.
While brisk isolated showers can be expected this weekend, the possibility of heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms return on Monday.
The initial outlook for next week is for relatively wet conditions again, with increased chances of thunderstorms during the latter part of the week.
This was the first multi-day rainfall event for the year, and just four weeks into the wet season, served as a stark reminder to the country to prepare for similar events during the remainder of the season.
