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 on August 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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1151. hurricane23 7:19 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting weatherboykris:


What's up Adrian? And what r u thanking me for?


HPC link...How you been? Its been a while since ive seen on here.Iam Tired long day @ work.
Member Since: May 14, 2006 Posts: 8 Comments: 13276
1154. wunderkidcayman 7:21 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
000
NOUS42 KNHC 141400
WEATHER RECONNAISSANCE FLIGHTS
CARCAH, NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER, MIAMI, FL.
1000 AM EDT FRI 14 AUGUST 2009
SUBJECT: TROPICAL CYCLONE PLAN OF THE DAY (TCPOD)
VALID 15/1100Z TO 16/1100Z AUGUST 2009
TCPOD NUMBER.....09-078

I. ATLANTIC REQUIREMENTS
1. NEGATIVE RECONNAISSANCE REQUIREMENTS.
2. OUTLOOK FOR SUCCEEDING DAY: PSBL LOW LEVEL INVEST
FOR 16/1800Z NEAR 17.0N AND 55.0W ON THE REMNANTS
OF TD-02. 3. NOTE: 1- THE G-IV WILL FLY A RESEARCH MISSION AROUND
THE REMNANTS OF TD-02 TODAY DEPARTING TBPB 14/2000Z.

2- BOTH NOAA43 AND G-IV WILL FLY RESEARCH MISSIONS
IN AND AROUND THE REMNANTS OT TD-02 DEPARTING TBPB
15/2000Z.
can someone explane when they say today do they mean 14/8/08/2000z
Member Since: June 13, 2009 Posts: 2 Comments: 5449
1155. FLHurricaneChaser 7:21 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
I predict a TD out of 90L later tonight. DMAX plus lower shear should get things going quick.
1156. jeffs713 7:21 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting WeatherStudent:


Pat, folks like over there? I didn't know that. Talk about the middle of no where, LOL.

Some people don't like the hustle and bustle of living in a city. Also, the weather there is like southern California, without the earthquakes.
Member Since: August 3, 2008 Posts: 15 Comments: 5722
1157. BobinTampa 7:22 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting WeatherStudent:


Meaning?


meaning it might curve before it reaches south florida.
Member Since: August 14, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 508
1158. Drakoen 7:22 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting wunderkidcayman:
000
NOUS42 KNHC 141400
WEATHER RECONNAISSANCE FLIGHTS
CARCAH, NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER, MIAMI, FL.
1000 AM EDT FRI 14 AUGUST 2009
SUBJECT: TROPICAL CYCLONE PLAN OF THE DAY (TCPOD)
VALID 15/1100Z TO 16/1100Z AUGUST 2009
TCPOD NUMBER.....09-078

I. ATLANTIC REQUIREMENTS
1. NEGATIVE RECONNAISSANCE REQUIREMENTS.
2. OUTLOOK FOR SUCCEEDING DAY: PSBL LOW LEVEL INVEST
FOR 16/1800Z NEAR 17.0N AND 55.0W ON THE REMNANTS
OF TD-02. 3. NOTE: 1- THE G-IV WILL FLY A RESEARCH MISSION AROUND
THE REMNANTS OF TD-02 TODAY DEPARTING TBPB 14/2000Z.

2- BOTH NOAA43 AND G-IV WILL FLY RESEARCH MISSIONS
IN AND AROUND THE REMNANTS OT TD-02 DEPARTING TBPB
15/2000Z.
can someone when they say today do they mean 14/8/08/2000z


They are departing in 38 minutes
Member Since: October 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
1159. weatherboykris 7:23 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting hurricane23:


HPC link...How you been? Its been a while since ive seen on here.Iam Tired long day @ work.


I've been good, very busy with sports and school.
Member Since: December 9, 2006 Posts: 125 Comments: 11343
1161. WxLogic 7:23 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting wunderkidcayman:
000
NOUS42 KNHC 141400
WEATHER RECONNAISSANCE FLIGHTS
CARCAH, NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER, MIAMI, FL.
1000 AM EDT FRI 14 AUGUST 2009
SUBJECT: TROPICAL CYCLONE PLAN OF THE DAY (TCPOD)
VALID 15/1100Z TO 16/1100Z AUGUST 2009
TCPOD NUMBER.....09-078

I. ATLANTIC REQUIREMENTS
1. NEGATIVE RECONNAISSANCE REQUIREMENTS.
2. OUTLOOK FOR SUCCEEDING DAY: PSBL LOW LEVEL INVEST
FOR 16/1800Z NEAR 17.0N AND 55.0W ON THE REMNANTS
OF TD-02. 3. NOTE: 1- THE G-IV WILL FLY A RESEARCH MISSION AROUND
THE REMNANTS OF TD-02 TODAY DEPARTING TBPB 14/2000Z.

2- BOTH NOAA43 AND G-IV WILL FLY RESEARCH MISSIONS
IN AND AROUND THE REMNANTS OT TD-02 DEPARTING TBPB
15/2000Z.
can someone when they say today do they mean 14/8/08/2000z


Yeap... departing Barbados @20HR on 8/14. So they should be out in 1 hour to 2 hours or so.

CORRECTION: 30 Min since I was looking at an outdated clock
Member Since: August 14, 2008 Posts: 4 Comments: 4667
1162. alpha992000 7:23 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting canesrule1:
wow, definitely a southward shift, SFLA might now get a hurricane.


*sigh* Yes, noticed the shift as well. It looks worse and worse for us here in Puerto Rico each passing hour. :-s
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1163. Drakoen 7:24 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
When O2L get past 50W is when we might start seeing things ramp up:
Member Since: October 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
1164. nrtiwlnvragn 7:24 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Member Since: September 23, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 8937
1166. Patrap 7:25 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 371 Comments: 111560
1167. Cotillion 7:25 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting leftovers:
president clintons wife is there today cape verde islands wonder if bill and her ever see each other anymore
Is she?

I find that kinda ironic considering that wave by the CVs could end being called... Bill.
Member Since: August 23, 2008 Posts: 7 Comments: 5300
1169. Dakster 7:26 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting FloridaTigers:
I'm glad the models are aiming in the general direction of Florida. It means it won't be anywhere near here a week from now :P


I keep thinking that way too... The last place this thing will hit is where the long range models show it...
Member Since: March 10, 2006 Posts: 0 Comments: 4938
1170. WxLogic 7:26 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting Drakoen:
When O2L get past 50W is when we might start seeing things ramp up:


I won't be surprised that it might be starting to feels some of that octane already.
Member Since: August 14, 2008 Posts: 4 Comments: 4667
1171. Drakoen 7:26 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Interesting ensembles which is why i'm not sold on the southern solution just yet.
Member Since: October 28, 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010
1172. futuremet 7:28 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting Drakoen:
When O2L get past 50W is when we might start seeing things ramp up:


It is certainly getting close there
Member Since: July 19, 2008 Posts: 43 Comments: 4049
1173. Michfan 7:26 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Apocolypticane....LOL
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1174. BobinTampa 7:27 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting Dakster:


I keep thinking that way too... The last place this thing will hit is where the long range models show it...


amen. in Tampa, the safest place to be is in the center of the Cone of Uncertainty 5 days out.
Member Since: August 14, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 508
1175. weathersp 7:27 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting WxLogic:


I won't be surprised that it might be starting to feels some of that octane already.


We got the G-IV jet going out in about an hour and half.. Hopefulle we get some good sondes..
Member Since: January 14, 2007 Posts: 17 Comments: 4112
1176. hurricanehanna 7:28 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
*Press, hand me a Thorazine shot....now, JFV, hold real still...."
Member Since: September 5, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 3214
1177. Patrap 7:28 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 371 Comments: 111560
1178. CaneWarning 7:28 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
A recurve looks more likely according to the latest ensemble models.
Member Since: April 26, 2009 Posts: 3 Comments: 3667
1179. WxLogic 7:28 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting nrtiwlnvragn:


Hehe... the typical flip-flop on long range. At least we can feel with a high degree of certainty that the Northern Leeward Islands will need to watch out for this one... that include you 456... hehe...
Member Since: August 14, 2008 Posts: 4 Comments: 4667
1180. nrtiwlnvragn 7:29 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting Drakoen:
Interesting ensembles which is why i'm not sold on the southern solution just yet.


Ya, we got 20 more model runs untill it gets in the vicinity of the Leewards.
Member Since: September 23, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 8937
1181. Michfan 7:29 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting hurricanehanna:
*Press, hand me a Thorazine shot....now, JFV, hold real still...."


Hahahahaha
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1182. Patrap 7:29 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
The G-4 Departs at 2000 UTC or in 32 minutes
Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 371 Comments: 111560
1183. WPBHurricane05 7:29 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting hurricanehanna:
*Press, hand me a Thorazine shot....now, JFV, hold real still...."


LOL!
Member Since: July 31, 2006 Posts: 56 Comments: 7929
1184. TerraNova 7:29 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
(ex) TD 2 is looking much better and is wrapping around nicely, we may have a regeneration on hand.
Member Since: July 30, 2007 Posts: 76 Comments: 4058
1185. WxLogic 7:30 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting weathersp:


We got the G-IV jet going out in about an hour and half.. Hopefulle we get some good sondes..


Sure thing... it will help these models get more accurate on the track to the Leeward Islands.
Member Since: August 14, 2008 Posts: 4 Comments: 4667
1186. ClearwaterSteve 7:30 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting BobinTampa:


amen. in Tampa, the safest place to be is in the center of the Cone of Uncertainty 5 days out.
Thats why I am not to worried about 90l
1187. Cotillion 7:30 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
By the way, it's 1930z now, so they'd leave in half an hour.
Member Since: August 23, 2008 Posts: 7 Comments: 5300
1188. Patrap 7:30 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Getting plenty of Pings with my Firewall and Blocker protection last 5
Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 371 Comments: 111560
1189. cg2916 7:30 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
I'm back. Was scanning with Webroot, Windows Defender, and installing AVG just in case.
Member Since: December 21, 2007 Posts: 13 Comments: 2908
1191. heliluv2trac 7:32 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
gfs is still showing gom
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1192. Patrap 7:33 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Member Since: July 3, 2005 Posts: 371 Comments: 111560
1193. Wariac 7:35 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Looks like I may need to start checking my hurricane check list. I hope people in PR start paying attention to this.
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1194. futuremet 7:35 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
12Z ECMWF shows 02L over Florida

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1196. jeffs713 7:35 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting Patrap:
Getting plenty of Pings with my Firewall and Blocker protection last 5

Nothing is hitting here, but the corporate firewall and my no-ad subscription may be helping with that.
Member Since: August 3, 2008 Posts: 15 Comments: 5722
1197. louisianaboy444 7:36 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Do you think anything surprising can happen when they fly into ex-td2
Member Since: August 29, 2006 Posts: 17 Comments: 1219
1198. Prgal 7:36 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting Wariac:
Looks like I may need to start checking my hurricane check list. I hope people in PR start paying attention to this.

We are!
Member Since: September 7, 2006 Posts: 0 Comments: 918
1199. yankee2cajn 7:36 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
I hope NHC is right about the area in the gulf having a low threat for developement.
1201. hahaguy 7:38 PM GMT on August 14, 2009    
Quoting louisianaboy444:
Do you think anything surprising can happen when they fly into ex-td2


They could find clouds LOL.
J/K
Member Since: August 12, 2007 Posts: 2 Comments: 2838

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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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