Meteorologist/Reporter
kalain.hosein@guardian.co.tt
With a scorching temperature of 35.1°C on Tuesday afternoon at Piarco, Trinidad recorded one of the hottest temperatures since October 2020. It was the third time Piarco had surpassed 35.0°C for 2023, with the hottest day this year recorded just two days prior, on Sunday, with a maximum high of 35.4°C.
Meanwhile, in Tobago, Crown Point recorded its second hottest day for the year on Tuesday, with a maximum high of 33.3°C.
Since September 9, Crown Point has recorded maximum high temperatures above 32°C, meaning temperatures have been in the top ten per cent of maximum temperatures recorded on the island since the 1970s.
Similarly, since September 12, Piarco has recorded maximum temperatures above 33.6°C, ranking in the top tenth percentile of temperatures in Trinidad.
On September 15, T&T was placed under a yellow-level Hot Spell Warning from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), which remains in effect until September 29.
They explain, “There is a high (80 per cent) 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.”
The Met Office added that 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, or the heat index, mainly 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 am to 4 pm.
High temperatures can be hazardous to health, especially to the elderly, sick adults, and young children. According to the Met Office, a proactive approach should be adopted to lessen the effects of hot spell conditions.
The TTMS advised the population to wear appropriate clothing, stay hydrated, and keep out of direct sunlight to avoid sunburn. They urged homeowners to open appropriate windows, vents, and doors to ventilate at times.
