What Makes Hurricane's Grow? Hot Water

[ThomWV]

For a hurricane to form you have to have hot water, 80 degrees F to be more or less exact about it. The hotter the water is the more energy available for the storm. Rutgets currently is showing a sky view that gives the water temperatures in the Gulf as of about noon today. Some areas are blocked out but you can see enough. There is a very dark red about half way between Homestead, FL and New Orleans, LA? That water is nearly 90 degrees F.


You may be able to see it at this link:

http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?product=sst®ion=gulfmexico¬humbs=0

[kdmorris]

1. I think that's what they call the "loop current"

Then again, I've had a long week at work and I could just be stupid. It's what caused Katrina, Rita and Wilma last year to strengthen rapididly. If Earnesto makes it there...

[cdsilv]

2. Last weekend the water 12mi offshore of P'cola...

...was 87 degrees F.

Closer inshore it was warmer.

We can only hope that the upper level shear winds will tear this one apart.

[SoyCat]

4. Yep, the water at Grayton has been unbelievably warm this year.

[kdmorris]

6. Water off the coast of Delray Beach

is like bath water. But, Aug and Sept ARE the peak of hurricane season, so we can just watch and wait (and hope nothing hits anywhere that has ,FL in it, as that will truly be the death of any sort of insurance industry in Florida)

[pitohui]

3. jeff masters has mentioned this hot spot in the gulf

not much to be done other than pray, the next 4 weeks will be the most dangerous for the gulf

[slackmaster]

5. Lack of wind shear among layers of the atmosphere is also needed

For the circulation to become established. Warm water alone is not sufficient.

[ThomWV]

8. Yep, But Note That An Existing Hurricane Already Has A System

So its not a question of what is required for formation, only what can blow one that already exists apart, blow it away from hot water, or if no such force is available, watch it grow.

[bigwillq]

7. And Ernesto is headed towards the Gulf

not a good sign. :scared:

[fairfaxvadem]

9. Right now, not much wind shear, apparently...

If that remains true, and Ernesto only skirts the islands in its general path, it could be a decent storm by early next week.

I just hope folks haven't gotten too complacent with the lack of early activity. But it's hard to stay on constant alert, mentally, for too long.

I'm just watching some Katrina stories on TWC right now, I sure hope the gulf coast is spared this year.

I still cannot believe the absolute destruction that took place.