Latest Atlantic Basin SST maps: High Octane

[JetMaxx]

Here's the latest Atlantic Basin SST map and the latest SST anomaly map from U.S. Navy (NAVO)

SST Map for August 23rd
http://128.160.23.54/products/MCSST/HPCg26.gif

SST Anomaly Map for Augest 23rd
http://www.navo.navy.mil/LIBRARY/Metoc/ ... index.html

There is more than enough "high octane" fuel available for some very powerful hurricanes....sst's currently warmer than I can remember in the past several years.

Of particular interest is the SST anomaly map -- the only area of the entire Atlantic hurricane belt below normal is a tiny area of the central Caribbean Sea south of Hispanola and Jamaica. Most areas are at/ above normal sst...including the Cape Verde breeding grounds, and the areas adjacent to the U.S. East Coast offshore New Jersey and New England...where some areas are 2-4° C ABOVE normal. This could result in an increased major hurricane potential for the Northeast U.S. with waters that warm south of Nantucket and Long Island.

Also note the +1-2° C anomaly area in the SE GOM....it is a growing and expanding warm eddy. SST in this area late yesterday were 88° F....and is very significant if a strengthening hurricane comes into the GOM as both Isadore and Lili did in 2002 moving toward the Gulf Coast.

If there aren't any intense Atlantic hurricanes this season, it certainly won't be due to cold ocean temps..

[rainstorm]

its like putting 93 octane gas in a car with no engine. nothing is happening

[JetMaxx]

its like putting 93 octane gas in a car with no engine. nothing is happening

True, but that can change very quickly. We have the nitroglycerin in place-- all it takes is a spark....and "kaboom"!

We saw this type of explosion take place in 1961....and it occurred around the first of September.
With sea surface temperatures as warm as they are (and still warming)....I'd be very concerned if I lived anywhere along the East or Gulf Coast -- even in New England. That 80° F isotherm isn't far south of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard...and continues creeping north.

[wx247]

Agreed. It all hinges on all the ingredients coming together. If one is absent then not much. If it does all come together... :o