The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) has officially declared the start of the 2026 wet season in Trinidad and Tobago, following measurable rainfall associated with the first tropical wave of the year.
In a statement issued yesterday, the TTMS said the wet season officially began on Tuesday after rainfall linked to a weak tropical wave produced measurable showers across parts of the country.
The tropical wave, which the TTMS had been monitoring since it moved off the west coast of Africa on April 30, brought 2.1 millimetres of rainfall at Piarco and 2.5 millimetres at Charlotteville.
The TTMS explained that the official start of the wet season is marked by measurable rainfall of at least 0.1 millimetres generated by either a tropical wave or the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), both of which are the primary drivers of rainfall for Trinidad and Tobago.
However, forecasters cautioned that May remains a transition month, meaning periods of rainfall are likely to alternate with dry spells and Saharan dust events.
The TTMS said a relatively dry environment and moderate Saharan dust concentrations are expected over the next few days behind the tropical wave axis.
According to the agency’s rainfall outlook, Trinidad is expected to experience near-normal rainfall between May and July, while Tobago is forecast to receive below-normal rainfall during the same period.
Looking ahead to the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from June to November, the TTMS said weather patterns are expected to be influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which could strengthen to moderate or strong intensity later in the season.
Historically, a well-developed El Niño tends to suppress hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin.
The TTMS said more detailed hurricane forecasts for the region of interest between 6°N–15°N and 20°W–60°W will be presented during the National Climate Outlook Forum on May 20 and later published on its website.
The service also reminded citizens that even during a below-average hurricane season, a single direct strike can have devastating consequences.
