1PM Tuesday 18th July 2017: Light to Moderate Showers occurring across much of Trinidad and Tobago with isolated heavy pockets and thunder.
The latest radar imagery, as of 12:49PM, scattered light to moderate showers are moving across Tobago and Northern Trinidad with an isolated heavier shower near the Port of Spain area. Cloudiness and showery activity are expected to increase as time progresses throughout today. A cluster of moderate to heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms are occurring across Southern and Central Trinidad. Thunderstorms are likely later this afternoon into tonight across much of Trinidad and Tobago. Gustier winds and heavier showers would favor Tobago and Northern Trinidad but are still possible elsewhere.
This system is expected to pass north of Tobago. For Trinidad and Tobago, feeder band activity is possible. These are the outer bands of a tropical cyclone that usually includes moderate to heavy showers and gusty winds. The key difference between feeder bands and regular moderate to heavy showers associated with a tropical wave is the intensity of the rainfall as well as gustier winds in feeder bands compared to scattered showers in a tropical wave.
Regardless of whether the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service issues watches or warnings to the island of Tobago or Trinidad, a large moisture field will move into the region in addition to the ITCZ remaining just south of Trinidad. Gusty winds, at times in excess of 60 KM/H, could affect Tobago.
Cloudiness is expected to build over Trinidad and Tobago over the next couple hours as outer bands move into the region. Rainfall associated with Don is expected to affect Trinidad and Tobago from this afternoon with showers occurring in varying localities and thundershowers in few areas. A gradual increase in frequency and intensity of showers/thundershowers is expect after late afternoon with accumulation of 40 – 60 mm.
Gusty winds and street/flash flooding are expected in areas of heavy showers or thundershowers. The possibility of landslides/landslips exists. Sea conditions would become moderate to rough in open waters and choppy in sheltered areas towards evening and all persons with marine interests should take necessary precautions.
Trinidad and Tobago remains under no watch or warning from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service as of 1PM 18th July 2017.
Trinidad, Tobago and the Windwards
Becoming increasingly cloudy with frequent periods of showers and/or rain and a few thundershowers continuing into the night time. Gusty winds, street and flash flooding can accompany heavy showers and thundershowers. Sea conditions can also become choppy in and near heavy showers and thundershowers.
