Question about cloud top temperatures
Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2011 2:52 pm
Hi, new here – been lurking for several years…I decided to join after one of the posts on the ‘Hilary’ discussion thread reminded me of a question that’s been nagging me for quite some time.
The question is, how good are cloud top temperatures an indication of a storm’s intensity?
I’m aware of course that an accurate estimation of intensity depends on more than just cloud top temperatures (i.e. the storm’s structure, temperature of eye), but how significant are these other factors with respect to the former? I ask because in my limited experience (reading posts on this site and others) most rough estimates are given based primarily on cloud top temperatures.
In the article “HAVE THERE BEEN ANY TYPHOONS STRONGER THAN SUPER TYPHOON TIP?” by Hoarau, et al. typhoons Angela and Gay were estimated to have been more intense than Tip due largely to their colder cloud tops.
But in the 2005 post season analysis NHC estimated Wilma’s intensity to be around 1200Z on 19 Oct. Yet if you watch the IR loops it is pretty evident her cloud tops were coldest at around 0800-1000ish…by 1200 they had warmed slightly (and the CDO had also lost its symmetry). So why was she estimated to have peaked intensity at 1200 (warmer eye perhaps)? Did NHC make a mistake?
Thanks in advance to anyone who can clarify this for me. (PS I’m not sure if this should be posted under this section or the talking tropics section, please move it if it’s in the wrong place.)
The question is, how good are cloud top temperatures an indication of a storm’s intensity?
I’m aware of course that an accurate estimation of intensity depends on more than just cloud top temperatures (i.e. the storm’s structure, temperature of eye), but how significant are these other factors with respect to the former? I ask because in my limited experience (reading posts on this site and others) most rough estimates are given based primarily on cloud top temperatures.
In the article “HAVE THERE BEEN ANY TYPHOONS STRONGER THAN SUPER TYPHOON TIP?” by Hoarau, et al. typhoons Angela and Gay were estimated to have been more intense than Tip due largely to their colder cloud tops.
But in the 2005 post season analysis NHC estimated Wilma’s intensity to be around 1200Z on 19 Oct. Yet if you watch the IR loops it is pretty evident her cloud tops were coldest at around 0800-1000ish…by 1200 they had warmed slightly (and the CDO had also lost its symmetry). So why was she estimated to have peaked intensity at 1200 (warmer eye perhaps)? Did NHC make a mistake?
Thanks in advance to anyone who can clarify this for me. (PS I’m not sure if this should be posted under this section or the talking tropics section, please move it if it’s in the wrong place.)