Trinidad and Tobago is considered outside the “Critical Hurricane Zone” and is normally a safe haven from the fury of severe weather and hurricanes. However, Trinidad & Tobago is not exempt from the tropical weather disturbances approaching the Caribbean. Approaching systems should be carefully tracked with respect and concern. The official Atlantic hurricane season is designated as 1 June to 30 November, although storms have been known to occur outside this time. For full information and satellite views of general weather and hurricane systems, check out the following websites:

• www.caribbean-weather.net
• www.nws.noaa.gov
• www.intellicast.com
• www.nasa.gov

General Information

A Tropical Wave is a shallow tropical low-pressure system that normally moves east to west. Ahead of the wave, the wind is generally northeast and behind the waves it becomes southeast. On average, the waves occur every five days during the tropical hurricane season.

A Tropical Disturbance has a slight rotary circulation with no closed isobars. There are no strong winds associated with a tropical disturbance.

A Tropical Depression has rotary circulation at the surface with several closed isobars. Winds range up to 34 knots (39mph).

A Tropical Storm has distinct circulation with many closed isobars. Constant winds range from 34 to 63 knots (39-73mph).

A Hurricane has a pronounced rotary circulation with sustained winds exceeding 64 knots (74mph). A "typical" hurricane starts in the doldrums around 10°N and 30°W to 50°W. It moves in a west-north-west direction, and then veers more northwest gradually curving to north and northeast as it reaches 30°N. Hurricanes are rated into five categories based upon the strength of the sustained winds as described below:

Other Weather Concerns

During the dry season, January to May, the easterly trade winds have the strongest impact. Most anchorages are protected; however, boaters must be on guard when the wind occasionally shifts to the southeast and to the south.

At Chaguaramas Bay, strong winds occur at times, from the west. Due to the fetch in the Gulf of Paria, when this happens there can be significant wave action in the anchorage affecting the boats moored at the various docks. Be prepared to add chafing gear or possibly leave the exposed docks if the weather turns foul.

Radio Weather Forecasts

North Post Radio: VHF: 27 0940 & 1640 local (daily)
Cruisers’ Net: VHF: 68 0800 local (daily)

Many of the Caribbean Ham & SSB nets provide weather information.