Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

An early start to hurricane season?
Posted by: Dr. Jeff Masters, 1:12 PM GMT on May 31, 2011 +7
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on Wednesday, June 1, but the Caribbean is already showing signs of the change of seasons. Moisture and heavy thunderstorm activity have increased in the region between Central America and Jamaica in recent days, and rainfall amounts of 1 - 2 inches have been common over the past three days over Cuba, Hispaniola, and much of Central America. The subtropical jet stream has been bringing high wind shear of 30 - 50 knots over the Caribbean the past week, but this shear has fallen to 20 - 40 knots this morning, and is predicted to fall below 20 knots by Thursday. All of the computer models predict that an area of low pressure will form in the region between Jamaica and Honduras by Thursday. This low will have the potential to develop into a tropical depression late this week. There is some dry air over the Western Caribbean near Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula that may retard the process, but a surge of moisture accompanying a tropical wave currently passing through the Lesser Antilles may counteract this, when the wave arrives in the Western Caribbean on Thursday. Water temperatures in the Central Caribbean are about 1°C above average, 29°C, which is plenty warm enough to support development of a tropical storm. Some recent runs of the NOGPAS model have predicted development of a tropical depression by late this week, potentially affecting Jamaica and Eastern Cuba. The other models have not been as gung-ho, but have been showing the potential for a strong tropical disturbance with very heavy rains forming late this week. In any case, residents of Jamaica, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, Haiti, Honduras, and Nicaragua should anticipate the possibility that heavy rains of 2 - 4 inches may affect them Thursday through Saturday this week.


Figure 1. Total precipitable water (a measure of how much rain would fall if we condensed all the water vapor present) for May 31, 2011 at 7am EDT. Plentiful water vapor in the SW Caribbean would create about 2 inches of rain (50 mm, orange colors) if it were all condensed out. Image credit: University of Wisconsin CIMSS.

Receipt did not travel 525 miles from Joplin tornado
The May 22 EF-5 tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri did not set a new record for longest transport of debris by a tornado. According to MSNBC, a couple living in Royal Center, Indiana, in North Central Indiana, 525 miles from Joplin, found a receipt from the Joplin Tire store three days after the tornado hit Joplin. However, a press release from Purdue University clarified that the receipt did not arrive via the tornado, but had been left behind by a relative that had visited Joplin before the tornado. The longest distance recorded for debris from a storm was a cancelled check that traveled 210 miles after the 1915 tornado in Great Bend, Kansas.

The death toll from the May 22, 2011 tornado in Joplin, Missouri is 139, although there is still considerable uncertainty about this number. The Joplin tornado is the 8th deadliest in U.S. history, and the most deadly since the 1947 Woodward, Oklahoma twister that killed 181 people. The tornado season of 2011 now has approximately 520 deaths, which would make it the deadliest tornado season since 1936, according to statistics compiled by NOAA. In the 1936 tornado season 552 people died, mostly because of violent tornadoes that hit Tupelo Mississippi (216 killed), and Gainesville, Georgia (203 killed.)


Figure 2. Satellite image taken at 23:45 UTC (7:45pm EDT) May 22, 2011, showing the line of tornadic thunderstorms that spawned the Joplin tornado. Image credit: NOAA Visualization Laboratory.

Jeff Masters
Joplin, MO (Portlight)
Joplin, MO
Categories: Tornado Hurricane
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352. IKE 5:48 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    

Quoting VAbeachhurricanes:


alright fine don't believe me...
And the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season...6 month....bloggers convention, officially begins.
Member Since: June 9, 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37047
355. SavannahStorm 5:49 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Charleston NWS Office mentions our little Reese's cup, say it's a shortwave:

SUBSIDENCE-CAPPING PROVIDED BY THE
DEEP LAYER SYNOPTIC SCALE RIDGE SHOULD PREVENT ANY SHOWER/
THUNDERSTORM DEVELOPMENT. HOWEVER...A WELL DEFINED SHORTWAVE NOTED
OFF THE MID-ATLANTIC COAST EARLY TUESDAY MORNING WAS EMBEDDED
WITHIN THE CIRCULATION OF THE UPPER RIDGE AND WILL ADVANCE SW AND
WILL BRUSH THE COAST LATE THIS AFTERNOON INTO TONIGHT. WHILE THE
CORE OF THE SHORTWAVE WILL REMAIN OFFSHORE...THE FEATURE WILL
SUPPORT SUBTLE MID LEVEL COOLING/WEAKENING OF THE CAP AND WILL
PRODUCE WEAK FORCING/ASCENT AS DEPICTED BY MODEL 700-300 MB Q
VECTORS AND 400-200 MB DIVERGENCE. FURTHER...THIS SHORTWAVE WILL
CONTRIBUTE TO A BAND OF 0-6 KM BULK SHEAR AS STRONG AS 40-50
KNOTS OVER THE COAST THIS AFTERNOON. MEANWHILE...SYNOPTIC LOW
LEVEL N/NW FLOW SUGGESTS THAT THE SEA BREEZE WILL STRUGGLE TO
ADVANCE INLAND...ENHANCING LOW LEVEL CONVERGENCE AND POOLING
MLCAPES EXCEEDING 3000 J/KG ACROSS COASTAL COUNTIES.
Member Since: September 22, 2005 Posts: 18 Comments: 2135
357. cchsweatherman 5:50 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Don't normally do this, but I'm starting to agree with quite a few on this blog that a certain somebody from the past that was on this blog and banned multiple times is back under a new handle.
Member Since: April 14, 2007 Posts: 8 Comments: 4926
358. VAbeachhurricanes 5:50 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting IKE:

And the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season...6 month....bloggers convention, officially begins.


thanks Ike I'm glad I could start it off for you! hahaha
Member Since: September 6, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 4803
359. yonzabam 5:51 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting GoldCoast2011:


Sure he is, and I'll be acquiring my Ph.D in Political Science tomorrow, how does that sound to ya? The only blogger inside of this blog, out of everyone, that is close to being a legit meteorologist here, would have to be Levi, second best to but of course, Dr. Masters himself. That boy is extremely brilliant and I have yet to come across ANYBODY in here that can outperform him, just saying. Remember that haters will always hate, you as well, =). Have a stellar day.


There was a poster with a similar style of writing and the same gratuitously offensive attitude last year who used the phrase 'haters gotts hate'. Looks like he's back.
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360. cchsweatherman 5:52 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting jasonweatherman2010:
TROPICAL WEATHER DISCUSSION
NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL
205 PM EDT TUE MAY 31 2011

A 1007 MB LOW PRESSURE CENTER IS NEAR
11N81W. NUMEROUS STRONG RAINSHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE FROM
THE COASTAL WATERS OF PANAMA TO 12N BETWEEN 77W AND 81W.
A SURFACE TROUGH IS ALONG 23N70W 20N72W 18N73W...FROM THE
SOUTHERN BAHAMAS TO THE CARIBBEAN SEA SIDE OF CENTRAL HAITI.
POSSIBLE RAINSHOWERS ARE FROM 16N TO 20N BETWEEN HAITI AND
WESTERN JAMAICA.




Been watching satellite imagery throughout the day and it appears to be getting somewhat better organized as the day progresses on. Noticing some nice inflow coming into the low from pretty much all directions this afternoon.

Member Since: April 14, 2007 Posts: 8 Comments: 4926
361. Chucktown 5:52 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting wunderkidcayman:

yes I mentioned this a few min ago


what ever it is its still a low


Its a low in relation to the surrounding atmosphere. I would hardly call 1016 a low, but when compared to the massive ridge of high pressure that it is currently "bumping up" against, then I guess you can call it a low, for now.
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362. MrstormX 5:52 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
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363. KeysieLife 5:52 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Looks like most models are showing MJO heading back this way in about 5-7 days:



Member Since: September 10, 2010 Posts: 2 Comments: 360
364. TampaSpin 5:52 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting IKE:

And the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season...6 month....bloggers convention, officially begins.


dont tell me you already have the first one coming to florida panhandle, LOL! Get ready as I vote you President of the convention! Hehehe
Member Since: September 2, 2007 Posts: 175 Comments: 19747
365. Orcasystems 5:53 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Might as well bookmark this early... I bet it gets used a lot again this year :)


TS BUSTED FORECAST ALIBI
Member Since: October 1, 2007 Posts: 77 Comments: 26077
367. NICycloneChaser 5:56 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting Orcasystems:
Might as well bookmark this early... I bet it gets used a lot again this year :)


TS BUSTED FORECAST ALIBI


Ah, I hate it when the diurnal solar correlation is miscalculated.
Member Since: August 10, 2010 Posts: 2 Comments: 1957
368. IKE 5:56 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
12Z CMC @ 144 hours....


Member Since: June 9, 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37047
370. Orcasystems 5:57 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting NICycloneChaser:


Ah, I hate it when the diurnal solar correlation is miscalculated.


I spent about 30 minutes one day.. just looking some of those words up.
Member Since: October 1, 2007 Posts: 77 Comments: 26077
371. caneswatch 5:57 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting Orcasystems:
Might as well bookmark this early... I bet it gets used a lot again this year :)


TS BUSTED FORECAST ALIBI


I'm trying not to say anything about the avatar LOL
Member Since: October 8, 2008 Posts: 14 Comments: 4473
372. NICycloneChaser 5:58 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting IKE:
12Z CMC @ 144 hours....




So, after a brief change to north-east path and no development, the CMC has gone trigger happy again. That track is starting to seem more likely though.
Member Since: August 10, 2010 Posts: 2 Comments: 1957
373. HimacaneBrees 5:58 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting IKE:
An opening of the season peak happens in June. Stay tuned!





I love that chart. I been waiting since last year to see it again. This means the season is here!!!!
Member Since: August 23, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 708
374. TropicalAnalystwx13 5:58 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting DestinJeff:
2005 Arlene came early on as well.

BEWARE THE EYES OF JUNE!


June has eyes?
Member Since: July 6, 2010 Posts: 89 Comments: 25360
375. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 5:58 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting jasonweatherman2010:
i been looking at this..i do not see any thing here only t.storms that all
just because you cannot see it does not mean its not there
Member Since: July 15, 2006 Posts: 144 Comments: 40670
376. KeysieLife 5:59 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting DestinJeff:
2005 Arlene came early on as well.

BEWARE THE EYES OF JUNE!


Annular?
Member Since: September 10, 2010 Posts: 2 Comments: 360
377. StormPro 5:59 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting NICycloneChaser:


Ah, I hate it when the diurnal solar correlation is miscalculated.



Thanks ORCA....needed a refresher
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378. MrstormX 5:59 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Anybody else see that Dr. Masters was on PBS News discussing the recent tornadoes?
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379. Orcasystems 6:00 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting caneswatch:


I'm trying not to say anything about the avatar LOL


ROFL.. try harder :)
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380. IKE 6:00 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Here's the 12Z NOGAPS....floats it around the Caribbean and takes it toward eastern Cuba.....and then Haiti.....

Click NGP in tropical areas..... https://www.fnmoc.navy.mil/wxmap_cgi/index.html
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381. smartinwx 6:01 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
so are we talking about a TD tomorrow in the Caribbean?
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383. KEEPEROFTHEGATE (Mod) 6:01 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
its almost time to flip the switch
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384. cchsweatherman 6:02 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting IKE:
12Z CMC @ 144 hours....




Ah, the good ole CMC model back at its same old tricks again I see. lol
Member Since: April 14, 2007 Posts: 8 Comments: 4926
385. TropicalAnalystwx13 6:04 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting smartinwx:
so are we talking about a TD tomorrow in the Caribbean?


Most likely not.
Member Since: July 6, 2010 Posts: 89 Comments: 25360
387. photonchaser 6:04 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting TropicalAnalystwx13:


June has eyes?


Hurricane eyes?
Member Since: June 3, 2004 Posts: 1 Comments: 134
388. HimacaneBrees 6:05 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
I'm in the GOM on a drilling rig right now and folks it's hot out here. The last day of may and we are at 98 degrees already. Gonna have some seriously warm water in the Gulf by mid summer if the temps stay this high.
Member Since: August 23, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 708
389. nrtiwlnvragn 6:06 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
UKMET Office forecast:

GLOBAL MODEL DATA TIME 12UTC 31.05.2011



NEW TROPICAL STORM FORECAST TO DEVELOP AFTER 48 HOURS
FORECAST POSITION AT T+ 48 : 13.0N 80.2W



VERIFYING TIME POSITION STRENGTH TENDENCY

-------------- -------- -------- --------

12UTC 02.06.2011 13.0N 80.2W WEAK

00UTC 03.06.2011 13.9N 79.8W WEAK LITTLE CHANGE

12UTC 03.06.2011 14.6N 78.9W WEAK WEAKENING SLIGHTLY

00UTC 04.06.2011 15.1N 78.7W WEAK LITTLE CHANGE

12UTC 04.06.2011 16.1N 78.7W WEAK STRENGTHENING SLIGHTLY

00UTC 05.06.2011 15.9N 78.8W WEAK LITTLE CHANGE

12UTC 05.06.2011 17.1N 79.6W WEAK LITTLE CHANGE

00UTC 06.06.2011 17.9N 78.6W MODERATE STRENGTHENING SLIGHTLY

12UTC 06.06.2011 18.4N 79.8W MODERATE LITTLE CHANGE


Member Since: September 23, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 8946
390. Grothar 6:06 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting DestinJeff:


yes. just one look, and the Beaver would know he was in trouble.


LOL. What about Wally?
Member Since: July 17, 2009 Posts: 57 Comments: 19555
391. Tropicsweatherpr 6:06 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Ike, do you think at least a floater be up before is gets invest status?
Member Since: April 29, 2009 Posts: 64 Comments: 8273
392. caneswatch 6:07 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting Orcasystems:


ROFL.. try harder :)


LOL you know what i'm gonna say it......

The Bruins will win the Cup, 'nuff said.
Member Since: October 8, 2008 Posts: 14 Comments: 4473
394. Patrap 6:08 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
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395. sarahjola 6:08 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
OMG!!!! IS THAT AN EYE????



LOL! just joking!
Member Since: September 10, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 1291
396. IKE 6:08 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    

Quoting nrtiwlnvragn:
UKMET Office forecast:

GLOBAL MODEL DATA TIME 12UTC 31.05.2011



NEW TROPICAL STORM FORECAST TO DEVELOP AFTER 48 HOURS
FORECAST POSITION AT T+ 48 : 13.0N 80.2W



VERIFYING TIME POSITION STRENGTH TENDENCY

-------------- -------- -------- --------

12UTC 02.06.2011 13.0N 80.2W WEAK

00UTC 03.06.2011 13.9N 79.8W WEAK LITTLE CHANGE

12UTC 03.06.2011 14.6N 78.9W WEAK WEAKENING SLIGHTLY

00UTC 04.06.2011 15.1N 78.7W WEAK LITTLE CHANGE

12UTC 04.06.2011 16.1N 78.7W WEAK STRENGTHENING SLIGHTLY

00UTC 05.06.2011 15.9N 78.8W WEAK LITTLE CHANGE

12UTC 05.06.2011 17.1N 79.6W WEAK LITTLE CHANGE

00UTC 06.06.2011 17.9N 78.6W MODERATE STRENGTHENING SLIGHTLY

12UTC 06.06.2011 18.4N 79.8W MODERATE LITTLE CHANGE


By the Caymans...moving WNW...on the end of the run.
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397. sarahjola 6:09 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
just wanted to be the first to say it:)
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398. NICycloneChaser 6:09 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
UK Met Office have their forecast for the season at 10-17, with 'most likely' 13. Seems a little low to me, but we'll see.
Member Since: August 10, 2010 Posts: 2 Comments: 1957
399. IKE 6:10 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    

Quoting Tropicsweatherpr:
Ike, do you think at least a floater be up before is gets invest status?
Could be.
Member Since: June 9, 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37047
400. nrtiwlnvragn 6:10 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting IKE:

By the Caymans...moving WNW...on the end of the run.


Member Since: September 23, 2005 Posts: 11 Comments: 8946
401. cyclonekid 6:10 PM GMT on May 31, 2011    
Quoting TropicalAnalystwx13:
Areas to watch

1.) Southwestern Caribbean

My opinion: Eventual development



2.) Off the coast of NC
My opinion: No development



2.) Wave off Africa
My opinion: Unclear...potential development in Caribbean later down the road?




It'll be hard considering it'll have to fight with the hostile conditions. It's a tiny thing too.
Member Since: July 14, 2009 Posts: 51 Comments: 1629

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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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