TT can expect more showers

The Met Office is projecting as much as 25 mm of rainfall according to a weather bulletin issued at 10 am on Tuesday. Chief Meteorologist Shakeer Baig explained that during last Saturday night into Sunday morning, Trinidad experienced a large amount of rainfall and the Met Office measured in excess of 75 mm of rainfall.

“As a result of the rainfall some of the rivers became really swollen and some low lying areas in Central Trinidad, the streams and drains were filled. We saw a system this morning called a ‘Trough’ and we issued the bulletin because the grounds are already saturated. The rivers are already high and with any additional rainfall there would be a quick run off and possibly more flooding in the country,” Baig said.

He also noted that over the next four to eight hours (on Tuesday) Trinidad and Tobago was expected to experience cloudy conditions with periods of rain, heavy showers and thundershowers. In a release, the met office stated that the activity is related to a low-level trough system. “Although the occurrence of heavy showers and thundershowers will be localized to some areas, rainfall accumulations could be in excess of 25mm. Numerical Weather Prediction Models indicate that heavy rainfall events are not expected to be widespread.” The release further stated that, “The additional rainfall expected today (yesterday), brings with it the possibility of additional surface run-off to already high water levels in the Caroni and other river Basins in central Trinidad.” The met office encouraged citizens in general, especially those residing along the Caroni River Basin and other flood prone areas are advised to be vigilant and cautious as they conduct their activities.

The release added, “Citizens can also pay attention to the media or visit our website at www.metoffice.

gov.tt/forecast for daily weather updates at 6am, 10am, 3pm and 6pm.” However, the release indicated that Trinidad and Tobago is not under any Tropical Storm threat, Watch or Warning, and will continue to closely monitor this weather event and will issue another bulletin if the situation warrants.