October 2, 2016
0230.19z
UNISYS Water Vapor Satellite of the north and west hemisphere

There is a very big difference between the two satellite pictures of Hurricane Matthew. The time span is 12 hours. The storm went from a diffuse storm that looks to be weakening in the first image, but, that isn't what happened.

Also to note is the strong water vapor link between the eastern shore of North America all the way down to Costa Rica and the eastern Pacific Ocean. There is lots and lots of water vapor throughout that air mass. If there is doubt, it is the air mass directly to the west of a weak appearing Matthew.

In the later satellite below Matthew is now a well formed hurricane with a defined eye AND it is a dual lobed system. There are also well defined bands coming of it. The diameter of the storm is still massive with lots and lots of water vapor.

What has happened to the water vapor trail from the eastern Pacific Ocean across Costa Rica. Wait a minute. That is Nicaragua and Honduras and El Salvador. It is Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador in the image above as well.

In the image of 1430, Matthew is imposing itself on that air mass and defining a margin/border. Basically, it appears as thought Matthew is pushing the air mass out of the way. Better put, Matthew is moving the air mass below it's massive size and absorbing it at the back radiating  bands. Said differently, the water vapor of that system is being absorbed and building Matthew into a stronger storm.

October 2, 2016
1430.18z
UNISYS Water Vapor GOES East Satellite