Prolonged hurricane season causes January showers

Those sunny days may not be seen until the beginning of February, as the Dry Season for 2006 has been encroached upon by rainy weather patterns caused by the prolonged hurricane season experienced in 2005. The Meteorological Office recorded the long-term average rainfall for the month of January as 71.2 mm. As of 8 am yesterday morning, the rainfall during the month of January increased to 120.7 mm. Yesterday’s 24-hour rainfall measured at Piarco was 57.6 mm.

Acting Chief Meteorologist, Shakeer Baig, said it was unusual to have this amount of rainfall for January which is supposed to be the beginning of the Dry Season. Baig pointed out that the rainy patterns were similar to that of January 2005, where the volume of rainfall measured was 234.6 mm. Baig said it was difficult at this point to say if a pattern was developing, to pinpoint any climactic changes or seasonal shifting, since 2004’s rainfall did not exceed its average. Baig said that if the pattern continues as similar to last year, then rainy conditions will continue throughout January, and TT should see Dry Season features at the beginning of February.

“Once the Sub-Tropical High Pressure System is established over the Atlantic, then we should see our typical Dry Season days,” said Baig. Baig also stated that this country was no longer in the hurricane season, which usually lasts from June 1 to November 30. However, Baig said hurricanes still developed in late December, which is why TT is still experiencing a lot of rain. “The features in the atmosphere that we normally look for in full-fledged dry Season are not yet in place. “Rainy season type features are dominating the atmosphere, preventing the full establishment of dry Season features,” said Baig.