Official Statement #2

The 2022 Dry Season has officially started and is expected to be drier than usual

Key Messages:

• The 2022 Dry Season has officially started.
• Compared to last year’s record-breaking wetter than usual dry-season, the 2022 Dry Season is likely to produce less rainfall than usual overall, with below-average totals most likely.

Likely Impacts:

• Less rainfall than usual will reduce surface water flows and rain-fed water availability;
• Increase in surface dryness as the season progresses will increase the potential for bush/grass/forest and landfill fires, which can deteriorate the air quality and stress persons with sensitive respiratory conditions.

The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service is officially declaring the start of the 2022 Dry Season.Ongoing climatic patterns/features, including the dominance of upper-level westerly winds over the region, an intensified North Atlantic Sub-Tropical High pressure system that has expanded its reaches southward and deeper into the atmosphere, compared to two (2) weeks ago, along with a strengthened trade-wind inversion, which serves to limit deep clouds development, are present. Together, this configuration signals that the region has transitioned to its drier state, which is generally manifested by reduced moisture, increased stability, fewer deep clouds, less frequent rainfall, cooler temperatures, and stronger surface winds.

The 2022 Dry Season outlook indicates slightly drier than usual conditions are favoured with below-average rainfall most likely but February to April is likely to be the driest period. The outlook also calls for warmer than average day and night temperatures, but a few relatively chilly nights are expected, when temperatures will fall below 20.0^oC due to relatively colder air being funneled into the region from the sub-tropical high pressure system and migrating weather systems from colder latitudes.  The country is also likely to see an increase in the frequency of hazardous sea conditions, Saharan dust-haze events and environmental conditions that increase bush/grass/forest and landfill fires.

In light of the foregoing, the public is advised to conserve, store and manage water in a sustainable manner. It is highly recommended that the public refrain from burning rubbish in grassy or forested areas during the Dry Season. Relevant agencies and ministries are advised to take measures to mitigate the potential impacts.