The National Hurricane Center is tracking three tropical waves in the Atlantic that could lead to the formation of Tropical Storm Patty by late October or early November. Current conditions, including warm ocean waters and the Central American Gyre, may promote tropical development, although its potential impact on Florida remains uncertain.
As the Atlantic hurricane season remains active, the potential development of Tropical Storm Patty is being closely monitored by the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Following the recent calm period since Hurricane Milton’s landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm, currently three tropical waves are being tracked. AccuWeather anticipates that the Central American Gyre may induce the formation of a tropical depression or storm in the latter part of October or early November. According to AccuWeather’s Lead Expert Hurricane Forecaster, Alex DaSilva, with the advancement of the tropical season, there is a tendency for developments to emerge closer to the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Southeast United States. It is imperative for residents in Florida, Central America, and the southeastern U.S. to remain vigilant about incoming updates regarding these systems. The NHC is observing three tropical waves, none of which currently exhibit significant convection—the crucial process for thunderstorms’ development. One wave is positioned east of the Windward Islands, moving westward; another is located in the central Caribbean, also moving westward; and the latest wave emerged from the African coast, moving slowly towards the northwest. Tropical waves, defined as large atmospheric ripples, are critical for tropical storm formation, with about 85% of all tropical storm developments linked back to them, as noted by AccuWeather. AccuWeather forecasts indicate a possible tropical system’s formation by late October or early November due to warm water temperatures in the Gulf and the Atlantic, notwithstanding that the overall conditions are still above historical averages for this season. While it remains uncertain whether Tropical Storm Patty will impact Florida, the historical paths of late-season tropical storms suggest they often veer towards Central America or northeast towards Cuba, Hispaniola, and the Bahamas. The Central American Gyre, a significant weather pattern comprising low pressure that often energizes cyclonic development, is particularly influential during hurricane season, persisting from spring until November. This system has broader implications for rainfall and flooding across Central America. In the Gulf of Mexico, light to moderate winds are currently observed due to a surface ridge located just south of the Florida Panhandle, presenting calm seas but expected to pick up strength over the weekend. In the Caribbean, the trade winds caused by the tropical waves have revealed some shifts in weather conditions, which will evolve over the next few days as the waves progress through the region. The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June 1 through November 30, encompassing the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and northern Atlantic Ocean, marking it as a crucial period for monitoring and preparing for tropical cyclones.
The Atlantic hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 through November 30, is a critical time for monitoring tropical storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic basin, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. After a relatively quiet period following Hurricane Milton, which made landfall in Florida, meteorologists are now focusing on three tropical waves that have the potential to develop into Tropical Storm Patty. The Central American Gyre plays a significant role in influencing weather patterns during this season, often facilitating the development of tropical storms.
In summary, the possibility of Tropical Storm Patty forming towards the end of October or the beginning of November is under close observation. While conditions in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico suggest a conducive environment for storm development, uncertainties remain regarding potential impacts on coastal areas, including Florida. Continuous monitoring of the tropical waves and prevailing weather patterns is essential as the hurricane season progresses.
Original Source: www.pnj.com
