Bermuda tropical wave

A tropical wave near Bermuda (dubbed "97L" by NHC this evening) is interacting with an upper-level low pressure system just west of the island. The two weather systems are producing plenty of clouds and thunderstorms over a wide region of ocean. An area of concentrated thunderstorms has developed about 100 miles east of Bermuda, and we'll have to watch this area for continued development. Wind shear has decreased to about 10 knots over the area, and is expected to remain at 10 knots or less for the next two days, which is low enough to encourage development. However, the disturbance is moving northward towards cooler waters, and it will only have about 1 more day over favorable water temperatures greater than 80F. In any case, the system's expected northward track over the next three days means that any tropical storm that might develop will probably not last long or threaten any land areas. The Hurricane Hunter aircraft that was scheduled to investigate the system today was canceled, and no further flights are planned.

NHC's new Experimental Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook
Last week, NHC began issuing their new Experimental Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook. The product takes the standard Tropical Weather Outlook text and combines it with an infrared satellite image identifying the regions being discussed. It's similar to what I frequently do on my blogs, and I think NHC should make it a permanent feature on their web site. There's a feedback form on the web site to comment on the usefulness of the new product.



Figure 2. Infrared satellite image showing the upper level low interacting with a tropical wave near Bermuda (area 1). Image credit: NHC's new Experimental graphical Tropical Weather Outlook.

Jeff Masters