By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE temperature in Trinidad is rising as the island recorded its hottest day on Sunday since 2020.
The temperature at Piarco measured 34.7°C while Crown Point measured 32.6°C according to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS).
The Trinidad and Tobago Weather Centre (TTWC) stated on its website that Sunday’s temperature makes it the hottest day since October 18, 2020, when thermometers recorded a maximum high of 35.5°C.
TTWC states, “This maximum high temperature has been part of an unrelenting period of excessive heat across the country over the last several days, where the hottest temperature for the year to date has been broken nearly every successive day.”
Last Thursday, Piarco recorded 33.8 °C breaking the August 7, 2023 record of 33.4 °C.
Crown Point measured 31.8 °C last Thursday and 32.4 °C on August 5.
Citizens are now being advised to take precautions especially as it is not expected to get cooler in the next coming weeks.
TTWC states, “On Tuesday, the Intertropical Convergence Zone, interacting with the passage of a tropical wave, is forecast to produce showers, isolated thunderstorms and cloudy skies bringing some much needed heat relief to the country.”
The TTMS on Thursday said that El Niño conditions were expected to continue throughout August to December 2023 and into the first two months of the new year 2024.
It explained, “Historically, El Niño conditions tend to produce below-normal rainfall within Trinidad and Tobago, but not always. There is a high probability (70%) that the El Niño conditions will likely have a negative influence on local rainfall during the months of August to December 2023 and January/February 2024. There is a moderate (60%) probability for an earlier than normal start of the 2024 dry season.”
On Monday, TTMS said that for the afternoon and the night, there would be “generally hot and sunny conditions despite few isolated showery interruptions.”
Although hot temperatures are being experienced by both islands, Trinidad and Tobago is still not experiencing a heat wave.
For a hot spell to be declared in Trinidad and Tobago by the TTMS, a period of hot temperatures ranging from temperatures of at least 34 °C in Trinidad and 32 °C in Tobago must last for five or more consecutive days, TTWC explains.
On Friday, TTWC founder Kalain Hosein told AZP News, “Over the last week, the remnants of Tropical Storm Gert lingered east of the Leeward Islands, with light southerly winds, to near calm at times, with high levels of atmospheric moisture leading to warm air remaining near the surface, while at night, mid/upper-level clouds prevent the escape of heat into the atmosphere. The result is warm, humid nights and hot, humid days across not only Trinidad and Tobago but the remainder of the Lesser Antilles.”
The temperatures currently being experienced were normal for this time of year and warmer temperatures up until October were expected, he added.
What to do when it’s hot
The Ministry of Health posted some advice on social media last week.
The ministry is advising citizens to wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-coloured clothing during the day, avoiding strenuous exercise during the hottest time, stay indoors or in shaded areas where possible, close windows and shutters facing the sun, stay hydrated by drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water per day and remain in air-conditioned buildings where possible.
Hosein said the peak time during the day when it was its hottest for Trinidad and Tobago was during the hours of 10 am and 3 pm.
In addition to the ministry’s advice, he also encouraged the population to apply sunscreen liberally and to protect the eyes by wearing sunglasses when venturing outdoors.
Hosein also advised persons to be aware of the symptoms for heat exhaustion and heat strokes.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are: headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, elevated body temperature and decreased urine output.
Symptoms of heat stroke are: confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, loss of consciousness (coma), hot, dry skin or profuse sweating, seizures and very high body temperature.
