The remainder of August is expected to see below-normal rainfall in Tobago and near- to or below-normal rainfall across Trinidad.
According to the Met Service’s latest Agromet Bulletin, wet days are expected on the 17th, 22nd to 26th, and 30th to 31st.
It also warns of a higher risk of heat-related hazards, with hotter days expected on the 19th to 21st, 24th to 25th, and 27th to 29th.
It says there may be possible heat stress for crops and livestock due to irregular rainfall, short hot spells, and decreased soil moisture especially across Tobago.
Meanwhile, there is a higher flood risk for fields and access roads during three wet days in a row, while higher humidity over crop beds raises the risk of fungal, bacterial and viral infections.
Beyond August, the Met Service’s Dryness/Drought Indicator & Outlook outlines a Drought Watch for Trinidad in September and a Drought Warning for Tobago in October.
It says there is an elevated risk for crops and livestock due to irregular rainfall frequency, greater number of hot spell days and decreased soil moisture.
It also warns of reduced recharge rate for dams, underground reservoirs, and stream flows, and is encouraging continuous water conservation.
