[Tropical] Tropical Weather Discussion

[EMWIN Server]

AXNT20 KNHC 250001
TWDAT

Tropical Weather Discussion
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
801 PM EDT Thu May 24 2018

Tropical Weather Discussion for North America, Central America
Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, northern sections of South
America, and Atlantic Ocean to the African coast from the
Equator to 32N. The following information is based on satellite
imagery, weather observations, radar and meteorological analysis.

Based on 1800 UTC surface analysis and satellite imagery through
2315 UTC.

...SPECIAL FEATURES...

A broad, stationary 1009 mb surface low pressure system is centered
over the southeastern Yucatan Peninsula near 19.5N88W, gradually
becoming better defined. Scattered heavy showers and
thunderstorms along with strong gusty winds are confined
primarily to the adjacent waters of the northwestern Caribbean
Sea N of 18N W of 82W, including the Yucatan Channel and the
Straits of Florida. Isolated showers and tstms associated with
this system are already in the SE Gulf of Mexico S of 25N and also
extend to the Gulf of Honduras. Gradual development of this
system is expected during the next couple of days as it drifts
northward near the Yucatan Peninsula. Environmental conditions
are forecast to become more conducive for development through
early next week, and a subtropical or tropical depression is
likely to form by late Saturday over the southeastern Gulf of
Mexico.

Regardless of development, locally heavy rainfall is forecast
across western Cuba and over much of Florida and the northern Gulf
Coast into early next week. In addition, the threat of rip currents
will steadily increase along the Gulf coast from Florida westward
to Louisiana over Memorial Day weekend. The chance for tropical
cyclone formation during the next 48 hours is medium. The chance
for tropical cyclone formation during the next 5 days is high.

A gale warning has been issued in the meanwhile starting 1800 UTC
Sat May 26 for the Gulf of Mexico within an area bounded 24N85W
to 23N84W to 23N85W to 24N86W to 24N85W...including the Straits of
Florida...SE to S winds 30 to 35 KT, with seas 9 to 12 FT.

...TROPICAL WAVES...

A tropical wave is along 50W with axis extending from 12N49W to
02S50W, moving west at 15 knots. The wave is in a moderate moist
environment that is supporting isolated showers within 150 nm
either side of the wave axis.

...MONSOON TROUGH/ITCZ...

The monsoon trough extends from the coast of Senegal, Africa near
07N13W and continues to 04N20W. The ITCZ continues from 04N20W to
00N30W to 00N48W. Scattered moderate to isolated strong convection
is along the coast of W Africa from 03N-07N between 07W-18W.
Scattered moderate showers are within 180 nm either side of the
remainder of the ITCZ.

...DISCUSSION

GULF OF MEXICO...

Surface ridging extends from the eastern CONUS and the SW N Atlc
into the northern and portions of the SE Gulf with a weakness in
that ridge analyzed as a surface trough from Pensacola, Florida to
the coast of SE Louisiana to SE Texas offshore waters near 28N94W.
Isolated showers are within 60 nm either side of the trough in the
NW Gulf. Light to gentle winds are in the western half of the
basin with seas in the range of 2 to 3 ft. On the eastern Gulf,
however, a tighter pressure gradient between the ridge and a
broad area of low pressure centered in the SE Yucatan Peninsula is
supporting E to SE moderate to locally fresh winds being the
strongest winds in the SE basin. The area of low pressure is
generating showers and tstms in the region of strongest winds.
Gradual development of this system is expected during the next
couple of days as it drifts northward near the Yucatan Peninsula. Strong
winds and building seas are expected east of this system. See
special features section for further details.

CARIBBEAN SEA...

Please read the Special Features section above for hazards
associated with a tropical low centered in the SE Yucatan
Peninsula. Very moist conditions across the western half of the
Caribbean along with the east Pacific monsoon trough extending
across Panama to northern Colombia support scattered heavy showers
and tstms within 75 nm of the coast of Nicaragua and 90 nm of the
coasts of Costa Rica and Panama. Otherwise, surface ridging
extending from the central Atlc into the northern and eastern
Caribbean continue to support moderate to fresh winds in the
central and eastern basin and fresh to strong NE to E winds
within 240 nm of the coast of Colombia. Fresh SE winds and
building seas are expected the NW Caribbean N of 21N W of 86W this
weekend associated with the developing low in the Yucatan
Peninsula.

ATLANTIC OCEAN...

Scattered to isolated showers are over the Florida Straits and the
northern and central Bahamas associated with a developing tropical
low in the SE Yucatan Peninsula. The remainder of the Atlc is
under the influence of a broad surface ridge centered SW of the
Azores Islands near 32N40W by a 1028 mb high. This high is
supporting moderate winds in the Bahamas Bank and Atlc passages to
the Caribbean.

For additional information please visit
http://www.hurricanes.gov/marine

$$
Formosa
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