Trinidad and Tobago and its neighbours now have a very important tool in their arsenal when it comes to predicting and monitoring the weather.
Minister of Public Utilities Marvin Gonzales and Planning Minister Pennelope Beckles attended the recommissioning of the Doppler Weather Radar in Brasso Venado on July 6. The radar site, which sits 250 metres above sea level, provides weather monitoring within a 400-kilometre radius.
The Doppler Weather Radar is a cost-effective and reliable system designed to operate continuously in remote areas without constant human involvement. Minister Gonzales emphasized that it provides continuous, precise data for weather monitoring, forecasting, and warning services. The data collected is shared with the public, disaster preparedness authorities, and regional meteorological services to enhance the region’s readiness to face potential weather events.
Reflecting on Hurricane Beryl’s recent destructive path, Minister Gonzales described it as one of the worst hurricanes the region has seen, affecting islands like Grenada, St. Vincent, Barbados, and Jamaica. He stressed the Doppler Weather Radar’s critical role in strengthening the country’s ability to mitigate risks associated with climate events like hurricanes and tropical storms.
Gonzales highlighted the importance of risk management in the face of adverse weather and climate change. He acknowledged the challenges in managing risk, including resource constraints and cognitive factors. The data collected by the radar will be shared with other islands to enhance regional meteorological services and improve weather predictions.
As the hurricane season progresses, with an anticipated above-average outlook, Minister Gonzales urged proactive policy approaches and advanced planning to address the effects of climate change. He concluded by thanking the staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Office for their dedication and service.
Earlier in June, the director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Roger Pulwarty, predicted an above-average hurricane season with an anticipated number of named storms and hurricanes. The region is bracing for a potentially active season, with agencies preparing for stronger-than-average hurricanes.
