August 12, 2009
1516gmt
The Atlantic Ocean Satellite
There are two tropical waves currently 'off Africa' that could result in some kind of tropical storm. But here again, unless these storms track directly across the planet and stay within the Intertropical Convergence Zone, they won't amount to high vorticity hurricanes. As soon as they swing north across Earth, the tropospheric water vapor isn't available to sustain them, yet alone sustain a Cat 4 or 5 storm.
August 12, 2009
1430z
UNISYS water vapor GOES East Satellite (click title to entry for 12 hour loop - thank you)
There is a tropical wave coming from Africa. This is the time of year for the strongest activity. Hurricane Andrew was spawned off the coast of Africa on August 14, 1992, Hugo began its treck across the Atlantic on September 9, 1989, Hurricane Floyd fromed out of Africa on September 7, 1999 and Hurricane Katrina was spawned over the Bahamas on August 23, 2005. Katrina was to be one of three deadly stroms that season.
The reason there 'can be' hurricanes and strong ones this time of year is the position of the 'direct' rays from the sun. "Sol" has its direct rays aimed directly at the Intertropical Convergence Zone. When sunlight that strong is added to reflection off the surface of Earth and drizzled with water vapor it is perfect conditions for Atlantic season hurricanes.
