First Tropical System in the Atlantic Basin, Waiting to be Born
AccuWeather.com Hurricane Expert Joe Bastardi gives his take on this system and its potential for development.
A low pressure system currently located over the middle of the Atlantic could develop into the first named system of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season this week. The first name on the list is Alex.
As of Monday morning, the system was located approximately 1000 miles west-southwest of the Cape Verde Islands. The feature is definitely spinning, based on satellite loops and it appears the circulation is working down to the surface.
It is a matter of time before the system becomes the first tropical depression or storm of the 2010 Atlantic season.
Sea surface temperatures are plenty warm enough to support development. Another supporting factor is weak wind shear in the vicinity of the low.
The system is beginning farther south than where tropical systems form in the middle of the Atlantic.
Satellite imagery of the pressure system Monday morning
AccuWeather.com meteorologists will be closely monitoring this system and another impressive tropical wave that emerged off of the coast of Africa. Steering currents would take the front-running system to near the leeward islands this coming weekend.
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Content contributed by AccuWeather.com Meteorologists Alex Sosnowski, Andy Mussoline, Brian Edwards, and Meghan Evans
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Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 86° | Borrego Springs, CA |
| Low | -18° | Flag Island, MN |
| Precip | 1.60" | West Palm Beach, FL |
WeatherWhys®
The "Dead of Winter," the one-month period when normal temperatures reach their lowest levels, has come to an end for much of the United States. Some people may find it odd that the "Dead of Winter" does not encompass the darkest day of the year (the first day of winter). That is due to a seasonal lag in temperatures. More heat continues to be lost than is gained from the start of winter until this time of year.
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