Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

Disturbance 90L close to tropical depression strength; TD 2 may rise again
Posted by: Dr. Jeff Masters, 2:02 PM GMT en Agosto 14, 2009 +4
A strong tropical wave (90L), with a large circulation and a moderate amount of heavy thunderstorm activity, is a few hundred miles southwest of the Cape Verdes Islands, off the coast of Africa. This morning's QuikSCAT pass shows that 90L has a large circulation, but this circulation is not yet well-formed, as it is elongated along an east-west axis. Satellite imagery from the European METEOSAT satellite show that the heavy thunderstorms associated with 90L are gradually becoming better organized, with some spiral banding evident on the south side of the storm. Satellite intensity estimates from NOAA already put 90L at tropical depression strength with 30 mph winds, but the storm does not yet have a well enough formed circulation to be classified as a depression. Water vapor imagery shows that since 90L is forming several hundred miles south of the dry air of the Saharan Air Layer (SAL), the storm should not be affected by dry air and dust as much as Tropical Depression Two was. However, there is some dry air from the SAL being sucked into the circulation of 90L, and this is retarding its development.

Wind shear is moderate, about 10 - 15 knots, but is forecast to fall to the low range, 5 - 10 knots, later today. Shear is then forecast to remain low for the next five days. Sea Surface Temperatures are about 28°C, and will remain in the 27 - 28°C range the next five days. The combination of low wind shear and sufficiently warm SSTs should allow 90L to develop into a tropical depression by Saturday, and potentially reach hurricane strength by Wednesday. Most of our reliable models strengthen 90L into a hurricane by Wednesday, when the storm is expected to be near the northern Lesser Antilles Islands. One important outlier is the ECMWF model, which has 90L passing to the north of the islands, and eventually recurving out to sea east of Bermuda. The ECMWF was by far the most reliable model for forecasting hurricane tracks last year. However, all of our models are pretty unreliable going out 5 days in advance for systems that have yet to reach tropical depression strength. Once 90L becomes a tropical depression and develops a well-formed circulation, the models will have a better handle on forecasting where it will go.


Figure 1. The remnants of Tropical Depression Two (left side of image) and tropical wave 90L (right side of image).

Tropical Depression Two may come back
Tropical Depression Two died yesterday, but may rise again. Satellite loops of the remnants of the storm show that heavy thunderstorms are again attempting a comeback near the axis of what is now a tropical wave. However, dry air continues to interfere with the development of the thunderstorm activity, and moderately high wind shear of 15 - 20 knots is also inhibiting the process. Wind shear over the remnants of TD 2 is expected to remain in the moderate range, 10 - 20 knots, over the next four days. Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) are 27°C, but will warm to 28°C two days from now. There is plenty of dry, stable air from the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) to the north and west that will continue to cause the storm problems. The relatively cool SSTs and dry air mean that any re-development of the storm will be slow to occur. NHC has given the system a medium (30 - 50% chance) of becoming a tropical depression again by Sunday morning. Only one reliable model, the NOGAPS, is predicting regeneration of TD 2. The NOAA Hurricane Hunters are flying research missions into the remnants of TD 2 today and Saturday.

I'll have an update Saturday morning, or earlier, if significant developments occur.

Jeff Masters
Categories: Hurricane
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3751. Walshy 5:44 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Whats up with these major hurricanes spinning to Hawaii? Must be some nice waves this weekend again.
Member Since: Mayo 17, 2009 Posts: 2 Comments: 618
3752. mikatnight 5:44 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Member Since: Octubre 18, 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 1968
3754. JRRP 5:45 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
may be the track of TD2 will shift a bit south
HWRF
Link
Member Since: Agosto 16, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 4305
3755. Skyepony (Mod) 5:45 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Thanks weathersp
Member Since: Agosto 10, 2005 Posts: 144 Comments: 29292
3756. Drakoen 5:46 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Now that 02L is in the picture 90L has a better chance of moving to the WNW taking it over the extreme northern islands or just north of there.
Member Since: Octubre 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
3757. Walshy 5:46 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting iceman55:
so from gom to fl need watch out ???



No. Look at the cone, its much larger than that.
Member Since: Mayo 17, 2009 Posts: 2 Comments: 618
3758. howarjo1943 5:46 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
I wouldn't expect much rain if any in Central Tx, Txrainstorm
Member Since: Julio 29, 2005 Posts: 3 Comments: 305
3759. nash28 5:48 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
I'd say for TD2, FL to the Carolinas need to pay attention.
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3760. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 5:47 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
UW - CIMSS
ADVANCED DVORAK TECHNIQUE
ADT-Version 7.2.3
Tropical Cyclone Intensity Algorithm

----- Current Analysis -----
Date : 15 AUG 2009 Time : 034500 UTC
Lat : 14:35:39 N Lon : 45:32:41 W


CI# /Pressure/ Vmax
3.4 / 995.2mb/ 53.0kt


Final T# Adj T# Raw T#
(3hr avg)
3.4 3.4 3.4

Latitude bias adjustment to MSLP : +0.0mb

Center Temp : -57.6C Cloud Region Temp : -44.8C

Scene Type : CURVED BAND with 0.71 ARC in LT GRAY

Positioning Method : FORECAST INTERPOLATION

Ocean Basin : ATLANTIC
Dvorak CI > MSLP Conversion Used : ATLANTIC

Tno/CI Rules : Constraint Limits : NO LIMIT
Weakening Flag : OFF
Rapid Dissipation Flag : OFF

****************************************************


Member Since: Julio 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40497
3761. TampaSpin 5:48 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting FLHurricaneChaser:
Scary for South FL



I was just getting ready to post the same thing
Member Since: Septiembre 2, 2007 Posts: 175 Comments: 19747
3763. Drakoen 5:48 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Two cyclones:
Member Since: Octubre 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
3765. Walshy 5:50 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting Drakoen:
Two cyclones:



Just like the EPAC was with Felicia. Weird how tropics transition from one side to the other.
Member Since: Mayo 17, 2009 Posts: 2 Comments: 618
3766. Drakoen 5:50 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting Funkadelic:


Is there a chance Florida could see a one... Two punch?? These models are beggining to concern me just a little bit


I can't say but it isn't out of the realm of possibility.
Member Since: Octubre 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
3767. weatherboykris 5:50 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting Drakoen:
Now that 02L is in the picture 90L has a better chance of moving to the WNW taking it over the extreme northern islands or just north of there.


Yes, 90L will either absorb TD2 or follow it closely.
Member Since: Diciembre 9, 2006 Posts: 125 Comments: 11343
3768. mikatnight 5:51 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting TampaSpin:


I was just getting ready to post the same thing


Just forecast to be a TS right?
Member Since: Octubre 18, 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 1968
3769. TampaSpin 5:51 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting Orcasystems:


Good god.. don't use facts, that just confuses him.


Orca you don't understand facts ......
Member Since: Septiembre 2, 2007 Posts: 175 Comments: 19747
3770. RainyEyes 5:51 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Thanks guys for answering. I am going to try to hang in there until they update...hopefully things won't get as crazy since many ppl have went to bed :-) (other than the obsessive compulsive few that hit refresh every 2 second {me}) HA!
Member Since: Agosto 24, 2006 Posts: 0 Comments: 302
3771. Relix 5:51 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
I think all these systems are gonna stick to the south. Gut feeling? =P
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3772. druseljic 5:52 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting RainyEyes:
Thanks guys for answering. I am going to try to hang in there until they update...hopefully things won't get as crazy since many ppl have went to bed :-) (other than the obsessive compulsive few that hit refresh every 2 second {me}) HA!


You wait 2 seconds! JK!
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3773. weatherboykris 5:52 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
If those Dvorak numbers are correct, TD2 should soon be Ana
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3774. howarjo1943 5:52 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
NHC didn't mention it, but it still looks to me that the eastern side of TD2 is partially exposed which was its problem a couple of days ago. There still must be some light east shear, but weaker than before. GFS model shows another wave developing off Africa behind 90L in a couple of days and then strengthening and heading into the Caribbean.
Member Since: Julio 29, 2005 Posts: 3 Comments: 305
3775. cjswilmingtoneye 5:52 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
What are the chances that we see both storms become hurricanes? Also, what do you guys think about TD 2 moving up the east coast in between a weakness in the ridge, and an approaching trough, and then either the trough misses 90 L, and the ridge builds back in allowing 90 L to enter the gulf; or TD 2 is strong enough to make a considerable weakness in the ridge, and 90 L finds that sweet spot and does a double whammy on the east coast? Not saying this is going to happen. Just asking for your opinions.
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3776. Drakoen 5:53 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
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3777. Skyepony (Mod) 5:53 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Keeper that Lat you posted. 02L had a pretty good wobble south.

14/2345 UTC 15.2N 44.9W T1.5/1.5 02L
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3779. Patrap 5:54 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
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3780. 7544 5:56 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
man did this change in the last 5 hours

ts anyone ?

CI# /Pressure/ Vmax
3.4 / 995.2mb/ 53.0kt
Member Since: Mayo 6, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 5925
3781. Drakoen 5:55 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Objective Dvorak numbers are near 3.5 We could have Ana soon
Member Since: Octubre 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
3782. jipmg 5:55 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
why haven't we gotten satellite updates in the past hour?
3784. BenRMac 5:56 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Hey all, looks like something is finally happening in the Atlantic. This place has become a lot more crowded since I left.
3785. Drakoen 5:56 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting jipmg:
why haven't we gotten satellite updates in the past hour?


good question
Member Since: Octubre 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
3786. sfla82 5:57 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting TampaSpin:


I was just getting ready to post the same thing


Nah! It will most likely do what they always do with the curve right before it hits S. Fla. It amazes me how they do that all the time. With S. Fla already being in the cone, we should be safe as we always seem to fade out of it.
3788. Skyepony (Mod) 5:58 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Guillermo
Member Since: Agosto 10, 2005 Posts: 144 Comments: 29292
3789. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 5:58 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting Skyepony:
Keeper that Lat you posted. 02L had a pretty good wobble south.

14/2345 UTC 15.2N 44.9W T1.5/1.5 02L
just a little wobble

lol
Member Since: Julio 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40497
3790. weatherboykris 5:58 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting leftovers:
its a conspiracy did you know jerry garcia is still alive cia i heard


There's a blackout each night from around now until ~4AM.
Member Since: Diciembre 9, 2006 Posts: 125 Comments: 11343
3792. telewriter 5:59 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Good night, everyone. Safe, peaceful sleep to all.
3793. JRRP 5:59 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting Skyepony:
Keeper that Lat you posted. 02L had a pretty good wobble south.

14/2345 UTC 15.2N 44.9W T1.5/1.5 02L

if that is correct then TD2 is moving in south track
Link
Member Since: Agosto 16, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 4305
3794. TampaSpin 5:59 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
I think the GFS model is really screwed up and will take a few cycle runs to get things staightened out...
Member Since: Septiembre 2, 2007 Posts: 175 Comments: 19747
3795. Walshy 5:59 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting weatherboykris:


There's a blackout each night from around now until ~4AM.


Thats when recon goes in and tells everyone they are just doing a drop-sound when they are really seeding it.
Member Since: Mayo 17, 2009 Posts: 2 Comments: 618
3796. sfla82 5:59 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting Funkadelic:


I can only imagine what the news will be like in Florida starting on Monday LOL.. They love to scare and hype


I know...And everyone always falls for the hype too!!! LOL
3797. HurricaneKyle 6:00 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting leftovers:
does anyone know what yr s fl got hit by three cyclones?


2004 by 4 separate systems, 2008 4 times by one system.
Member Since: Agosto 10, 2009 Posts: 3 Comments: 672
3798. sfla82 6:02 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting Funkadelic:


I can only imagine what the news will be like in Florida starting on Monday LOL.. They love to scare and hype


Yeah I know!!!! And everyone always fall for the hype too! LOL!
3799. Patrap 6:00 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Member Since: Julio 3, 2005 Posts: 371 Comments: 111388
3800. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 6:01 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    


latest as of 415 utc
Member Since: Julio 15, 2006 Posts: 143 Comments: 40497
3801. telewriter 6:01 AM GMT en Agosto 15, 2009    
Quoting leftovers:
does anyone know what yr s fl got hit by three cyclones?


2004 had Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. We got hit with Frances and Jeanne where I live. The year after that we had Wilma.

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About JeffMasters
Jeff co-founded the Weather Underground in 1995 while working on his Ph.D. He flew with the NOAA Hurricane Hunters from 1986-1990.

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