(Trinidad Express) Trinidad and Tobago has been placed under a “Hot Spell Watch #1—Yellow Level” warning for the next five days as daily temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 34°C.
The population is being urged by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) to engage in self-care such as ensuring proper hydration.
The hot spell warning was in effect yesterday from 1 p.m. and is set to end on Monday, September 23, at 4 p.m.
The alert will remain in place until the public is otherwise advised by the TTMS.
The TTMS said “over the next five days, there is a high probability (75%) that daily maximum temperatures will reach or exceed 34.0 °C in Trinidad, and 33.0 °C or greater in Tobago”.
The hottest time of the day is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the TTMS noted. It said maximum temperatures higher than 34°C are likely in cities, urban and built-up areas, and “feel-like” temperatures will likely range between 34°C and 44°C.
“While we have been experiencing hot days (defined as maximum temperatures of 34.0 °C or greater in Trinidad, and 33.0 °C or greater in Tobago) it is expected that the criteria for a Hot Spell, defined as five consecutive hot days, is likely to be reached or exceeded in the coming days,” the alert said.
A hot spell is declared when the country experiences maximum high temperatures reaching and/or exceeding 34°C at Piarco, and maximum high temperatures reaching or exceeding 33°C at Crown Point.
The Met Service said “these hot days combined with tropical moisture and light winds are ingredients for rapid development of strong thunderstorms and/or heavy showers, mainly during afternoons”.
Although rainfall events may provide brief relief from hot conditions, warm nights are also likely, the TTMS said.
The TTMS’ public warning is also available on the TTMS’ website and Facebook page.
Cover, hydrate
Don’t underestimate the need to protect yourself from heatstroke in the coming days, the authorities have said.
The TTMS has advised that people “wear appropriate clothing, stay hydrated at all times, and keep out of direct sunlight to avoid sunburn”.
Also, open appropriate windows, vents and doors in your homes to ventilate at times, the TTMS said.
The Ministry of Health also issued guidelines to coping and staying safe during very hot days.
Vulnerable groups were especially warned and include the elderly, children and pregnant women.
The ministry has also advised extreme caution for those who work outdoors or whose lifestyles involve long periods outdoors and physical activities such as construction workers, farmers, students, lifeguards and those engaging in sports.
People were advised to “avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest times of the day”.
It’s best to stay indoors or in shaded areas when possible, the ministry said. When working outdoors for long periods, take frequent breaks, the ministry’s website said.
People should protect their skin with a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and consume adequate amounts of water, the ministry said.
Animal welfare groups have advised that people with pets also ensure that their animals are well-hydrated through the adequate provision of drinking water, cold water or cold treats, including frozen fruit (as deemed safe).
Pets such as dogs should not be tied or confined outdoors without shelter and water, activists said.
The farming community also said similar hot spells in July and September 2023 had led to crop losses in some areas.
T&T was last year placed under a “hot spell” watch for almost the entire month of October 2023, a few weeks after the TTMS had discontinued a hot spell alert in September 2023.
Last year’s hot spells resulted in crop and livestock loss, fuelling higher food prices later on.