Trinidad enters drought watch as TTMS forecasts drier conditions

Trinidad and Tobago: Trinidad has been placed on Drought Watch for September as Tobago is expected to reach Drought warning conditions in October. This announcement was made by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) in its latest dryness and drought outlook.

The outlook warns that the latter half of 2026 is experiencing drier-than-usual weather and it could continue into the 2027 dry season. So, the TTMS is urging residents to practise conservation in their use of potable water. The country has now started preparations for potentially prolonged rainfall deficits.

The TTMS outlook found that during the three-month period from May to July 2026, conditions were dry at Crown Point in southwestern Tobago and Valencia. Central and northeastern Tobago and northeastern Trinidad were classified as slightly dry.

If the drier conditions continue then it could affect several sectors, especially agriculture. According to the outlook, crops and livestock face more risk because of less rainfall, more hot-spell days and declining soil moisture.

The water sources of the country can also be pressured because of reduced rainfall. The recharge rates for dams, underground reservoirs and streams could reduce because of irregular rainfall, warned TTMS. Hence, the availability of the surface water for the distribution system could eventually reduce.

The service’s drought monitoring system uses the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). This system compares rainfall over a specific period with averages. The TTMS said that the drought assessments also consider factors such as temperature, humidity, wind and soil moisture.

The latest outlook is part of broader regional concern about drier conditions. The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology’s regional drought outlook has also found that Tobago should be among the areas that require drought monitoring this year.

The TTMS is encouraging careful use of potable water as the September outlook is approaching. Residents, farmers and other water users are being requested to conserve water as the weather patterns are being monitored closely.

The TTMS dryness and drought monitor is the key source for updates on changing drought conditions across Trinidad and Tobago.