by Ted Keller
Tropical Doings in the Gulf of Mexico
7:27 pm in Tropics by Ted Keller
Projection for TD #5
Early this evening, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) determined that a tropical depression had taken shape in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. This is the fifth tropical depression of the season.
Throughout the day, a broad circulation in the middle atmosphere could be seen slowly taking shape. The status of a depression hinges on whether a circulation can be identified at sea level. Hurricane hunters did find a circulation center on this storm on the last reconnaissance flight.
The NHC believes that while the Gulf sea surface temperatures are very warm, the overall pattern of upper level winds do not favor significant strengthening over the next few days.
Nevertheless, tropical storm warnings have been hoisted from Destin, FL to Intracoastal City, LA.
The picture shows the latest projected path of the storm. It is interesting to note that a good chunk of Louisiana under the projection cone is under serious drought conditions which also extend into eastern Arkansas and even into portions of southern Missouri. This storm could deliver much-needed rain to the drought region.
