The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) said this morning (Tuesday 20th September 2022) that it continues to monitor the progress of an active Tropical Wave to the East of the Southern Windward Islands. The system currently has a medium potential (40%) of development in forty-eight (48) hours and a high potential (70%) for cyclone development in the next five (5) days.

At 8:00 AM this morning, the axis of the Tropical Wave was near 54W, with the leading edge about 450 Km East of the Southern Windward Islands. The Wave is accompanied by heavy showers and thunderstorms moving Westward at 28 Km/h. There is the possibility of gradual development over the next few days.

On this present course, the Met Office notes that this system is expected to move across the Windward Islands during Wednesday/Thursday of this week. Regardless of cyclone development, this system is expected to bring unstable conditions, resulting in moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm activity, affecting Trinidad and Tobago and the Windward Islands.

At this present time, there are no alerts, watches or warnings in effect.

The TTMS said it continues to monitor this Tropical Wave and will issue and update at 6:00 PM this evening or earlier if the situation warrants.

Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami said that satellite data indicates that the Tropical Wave has become better organized this morning. Additional development is expected, and a Tropical Depression is likely to form within the next few days as the system moves Westward to West-Northwestward at 15 to 20 Mph
across the Eastern and Central Caribbean Sea.

“Interests in the Windward Islands should closely monitor the progress of this system as heavy rainfall and gusty winds could affect these islands beginning on Wednesday,” the NHC said.

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According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), the temperature recorded at Piarco at 10:00 AM this morning (Friday 16th September 2022) had already climbed to 32°C. With a generally sunny, hot morning with patches of clouds producing brief showers in few areas, the forecast maximum temperature today for Piarco is 34°C, which would peak higher in cities and built-up areas during the early afternoon.

The forecast today is for brief isolated showers interrupting the sunshine in a few areas. Due to the high heating and mostly light winds together with local dynamics, there is a medium (40%) chance that a heavy shower or thunderstorm activity could occur during the afternoon mainly near hilly areas or Western areas of Trinidad. In the event of a heavy shower or thunderstorm, be on the lookout for street or flash flooding and winds can become gusty in the vicinity.

Saharan dust is at mild concentrations in the atmosphere at this time.

Weekend Weather Outlook

With the passage of Tropical Storm Fiona across the Leeward Islands to the North, we can expect a wind flow to be drawn across Trinidad and Tobago, generally from the Southeast to South-Southeast, causing equatorial moisture convergence in our area over this weekend. This is expected to produce some partly cloudy to cloudy periods with light or moderate showers in varying areas and a heavy shower or thunderstorm activity in some areas.

Tropical Depression #7 intensified to Tropical Storm Fiona last evening (Wednesday 14th September 2022). The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) notes that as of 8:00 AM this morning, the center of Tropical Storm Fiona was estimated to be within 500 nautical miles East of the Leeward Islands and moving Westward at 11 knots. Maximum sustained wind speed at this time is 45 knots with gusts up to 55 knots.

Tropical Storm conditions are expected in the Leeward Islands by Friday evening (16th September 2022). During the next few days, Fiona is expected to keep its Westward track with little change in strength.

At this time, Tropical Storm Fiona poses NO DIRECT threat to Trinidad and Tobago.

As of 11:00 AM today (Wednesday 14th September 2022), the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) notes that the area of disturbed weather just East of the Lesser Antilles, which it has been tracking over the past week, has formed into Tropical Depression #7. Tropical Storm development is expected within the next twenty-four (24) hours.

The associated weather is forecast to begin to affect the Leeward Islands by late Thursday (15th September 2022) into Friday. It is estimated that this system can bring rainfall totals between two (2) to six (6) inches (50 - 150mm) across the Leeward Islands over the period of 15th - 19th September 2022.

This system poses NO DIRECT threat to Trinidad and Tobago, at this time.

Prime Minister Keith Rowley will travel to Washington, DC today (Tuesday 13th September 2022) where he will participate in a series of meetings with high-ranking U.S. Government Officials.

Prime Minister Rowley is scheduled to attend a hearing of the U.S.House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services on the impacts of de-risking in the Caribbean tomorrow. The hearing will be held under the Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services, Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

On Thursday (15th September 2022), the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris who will meet with the Action Committee Caribbean Leaders.

These Committees were established following the high-level meeting between CARICOM/CARIFORUM leaders, U.S. President Joseph Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in June, at the IX Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California.

The Prime Minister is the co-chair of the U.S./Caribbean Energy Security Action Committee.

Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Stuart Young, will accompany the Prime Minister.

Minister of Finance, Colm Imbert, will act as Prime Minister in the interim.

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is extending heartfelt congratulations to the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) Women's Cricket Team for being crowned the first-ever Champions of the Women's Caribbean Premier League (CPL) held in St. Kitts from 31st August to 4th September 2022.

A Media Release on Monday (12th September 2022) from the Government Communications Division said, “The diverse team of local, regional and international players showcased the true 'Trinbago' spirit throughout the tournament, with every creed and race uniting to bring glory to themselves, the team and the country. Yesterday's win was an exceptional display of teamwork and technique, with an undeniable energy and passion for the game and determination to win.”

The Media Release concluded by saying, “As we continue to commemorate our country's 60th Anniversary of Independence, we have a remarkable achievement to add to our history books and are proud to celebrate with each member of the team. Let this victory serve as inspiration for us to press on with pride and continue forging forward together with boundless faith in our destiny.”