Met Service issues YELLOW Level Hot Spell Watch

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has activated a five-day YELLOW Level Hot Spell Watch as of 1pm today, September 19, 2024.

“Over the next five days, there is a high probability (75%) that daily maximum temperatures will reach or exceed 34.0°C in Trinidad, and 33.0°C or greater in Tobago,” an advisory from the Met Service explains.

“The hottest time of the day is between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, and maximum temperatures higher than 34.0°C are likely in cities, urban and built-up areas,” the TTMS warns.

It says ‘feel-like’ temperatures will likely range between 34.0°C and 44.0°C.

“While we have been experiencing hot days—defined as maximum temperatures of 34.0°C or greater in Trinidad, and 33.0°C or greater in Tobago—it is expected that the criteria for a Hot Spell, defined as five consecutive hot days, is likely to be reached or exceeded in the coming days,” the Met Service advisory stated.

The TTMS is advising the members of the public that while they’re outside to wear appropriate clothing, stay hydrated at all times, and keep out of direct sunlight to avoid sunburn.

And when you’re inside…?  The Met Service says to open your windows (where appropriate), as well as the vents and doors in your homes to ensure proper ventilation, from time to time.

Forecasters also note that even during this super-hot period, thunderstorms are possible.

“These hot days combined with tropical moisture and light winds are ingredients for rapid development of strong thunderstorms and/or heavy showers, mainly during afternoons,” the Met Service notes.

It added: “Although rainfall events may provide brief relief from hot conditions, however, warm nights are also likely.”