By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE 2025 Wet Season for Trinidad and Tobago has officially started!
The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) issued the declaration on Monday following three days of rainfall.
In a statement issued by Chief Meteorologist Saide Shakeer he stated that usually the month of May marks the transition from the dry to the wet season in Trinidad and Tobago, as the atmosphere gradually shifts from dry, stable conditions to a relatively more humid and unstable state.
“However, not all rainfall during this period is attributed to wet season features. The official start of the wet season is signaled by the first measurable rainfall (≥ 0.1 mm) associated with a Tropical Wave or the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), as these features are the primary drivers of the seasonal rainfall over the country,” Shakeer said
He explained the main axis of the ITCZ remained south of the latitude, deep tropical moisture associated with its broader environment has extended northward over Trinidad and Tobago, contributing to increased atmospheric instability.
These conditions supported convective development across parts of the country today, with rainfall accumulations up to 2 p.m. recorded as follows: 18.8 mm at Matura, 15.6 mm at Mayaro, 2.8 mm at Piarco, 1.3 mm at Signal Hill and 0.5 mm at Buccoo.
As such, the TTMS officially declared the start of the 2025 wet season.
Shakeer stated that at present, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) was in a neutral phase, which is forecast to persist through much of the wet season.
For Trinidad and Tobago, ENSO-neutral conditions typically support near-average rainfall, although local and regional factors will continue to influence short-term variability.
Rainfall for Trinidad and Tobago is forecast to be near normal for the season, ranging between 75% and 125% of the long-term average.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially runs from June 1 to November 30 and coincides with the wet season. Latest predictions for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane season indicate an active season across the wider Atlantic Basin. Tropical Cyclone activity is expected to be below average, Shakeer stated.
Also in June, Trinidad and Tobago experiences peak Saharan dust concentrations.
“These dense dust plumes can reduce air quality and suppress deep convective rainfall. Nevertheless, impactful rainfall can still occur given the right atmospheric conditions,” Shakeer stated.
The release stated, “The TTMS continues to monitor weather conditions over land, sea and air within our area of responsibility and will advise the public in a timely manner about potential weather-related hazards. The public, relevant agencies and ministries are advised to adopt measures to mitigate the potential impacts of the Wet and Hurricane seasons.
The public is being advised to stay informed via daily forecasts (6 am, 10 am and 4 pm), monthly outlooks, website (www.metoffice.gov.tt), social media and the TT Met app.
