True to my word I am offering an update on the tropics, specifically Katia and Tropical Depression 13. As I have previously mentioned, I do not normally talk about the tropics unless there is a potential for the tropics to effect our area.
A few days ago I alerted you to the presence of Katia, and she is still out there. Do not let the slight decrease in her strength concern you as she is in open waters and will reform into a powerful hurricane in a couple days. The current models turn Katia's path quite near the mid-Atlantic, but it is a week or so away, therefore, I cannot provide any definitive forecast at this time. But, all trending shows her nudging the coast and not making landfall, although this is dependent, similar to Irene, on timing and the strength of a cold front exiting the US later next week. If the strength and timing of the cold front are perfect, Katia will be curved more out to sea. If not, she will come too close for comfort. BUT, this is too far off to get worried just yet.
Tropical Depression 13 has formed in the Gulf, and the only reason I mention this is the models take the remnants of this tropical system and bring them up the I-95 corridor mid-next week. If this holds true we will be hit with a good amount of rainfall and possible flooding, with the possibility of Katia coming along the coast a couple days later. To be honest, TD 13 is also too far out to say too much with certainty, but it appears TD 13 won't effect our area, but is worth watching especially since the ground is saturated.
So, all in all I dont have much to say as these systems are too far out. But, I am watching their development along with the steering factors and will keep you posted. I will not post daily just yet, but if there are potential hits to Maryland I will let you know.
Follow my daily posts on Twitter (@wxmanmd) and I will update the Weather Phone (443-470-9804) as needed.
