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Mixed weather, Saharan dust ahead

Loop News

December 8, 2023 9:16 PM ET

3 mins read

A mixed moisture outlook is expected as December progresses, with sunny conditions to be interrupted by showers, and in some cases, develop into thunderstorms.

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) made the prediction in its five-day weather outlook, based on numerical weather models, and analysis.

It noted that some cooler nights could be on the horizon as passing frontal systems to the near north of the Lesser Antilles are expected to increase.

Over Saturday and Sunday, in particular, gusty to windy conditions, especially in the vicinity of showers and in elevated areas, can be expected.

The TTMS noted that there are currently moderate concentrations of Saharan dust in the atmosphere, but there’s some ease in these conditions expected by Sunday.  

On Saturday, the agency said low level convergence and moisture advection is expected to produce partly cloudy periods, to cloudy in some areas, from after midnight and into the pre-dawn hours to late morning.

There’s a 40 to 60 per cent chance for an isolated heavy shower or thunderstorm.

From afternoon, conditions will begin to improve, but there’s still a 40 per cent chance for an isolated heavy shower or thunderstorm, favouring western Trinidad or hilly areas.

On Sunday, brief showers are likely in a few areas, with a 20 to 40 per cent chance for an isolated heavy shower, favouring west Trinidad and hilly areas, mainly during the afternoon. The evening and night is expected to be fair, with brief showers in some areas.

Then, on Monday convergence plus some moisture advection ahead of a low level perturbation, is likely to produce some partly cloudy periods during the morning to afternoon. These conditions are expected to interrupt some sunshine with light or moderate showers in varying areas and a 30 per cent chance for a heavy shower. The evening and night is likely to be generally fair, with the chance for a brief shower in a few areas.

The TTMS reminded the public that the extended forecast can change as time progresses. It urged people to keep up to date with the latest forecasts, alerts, and information issued.