The Declaration of the Start of the 2025 Wet Season for Trinidad & Tobago
The 2025 Wet Season for Trinidad and Tobago has officially started!
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. While the main axis of the ITCZ remains south of our 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 Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) is officially declaring the start of the 2025 wet season.
At present, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is 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 1st to November 30th and coincides with our wet season. Latest predictions for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane season indicate an active season across the wider Atlantic Basin. However, for our area of interest, which spans between 5N and 15N and along the Tropical Atlantic from 15W to 60W, Tropical Cyclone activity is forecast to be below average. The long-term average for this area is five to six (5-6) Tropical Cyclones, but the TTMS projects approximately four (4) systems to develop in the area. More detailed information on the upcoming season will be provided at the TTMS National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF) on Wednesday May 21st, 2025.
The first Tropical Wave (TW) of the season has recently moved off the west coast of Africa and is expected to move westward across the tropical Atlantic in the coming days. On average, TWs take approximately five to seven days to reach the southern Caribbean or the northern coast of South America. Not all TWs directly impact Trinidad and Tobago, as some pass well to our south. The TTMS will continue to closely monitor the progress of the first Tropical Wave as it approaches.
Historically, T&T experiences peak Saharan dust concentrations during the month of June. These dense dust plumes can reduce air quality and suppress deep convective rainfall. Nevertheless, impactful rainfall can still occur given the right atmospheric conditions.
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. Stay informed via daily forecasts (6 a.m., 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), monthly outlooks, our website (www.metoffice.gov.tt), social media and the TT Met app. Stay safe and prepared.
Saide Shakeer
Chief Meteorologist, Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service
