September 2, 2008

The tropics have “exploded” with activity in early September. While not quite to the pace of the record 2005 season (when we were already in the “O” names by September 6^th) it’s coming in well above average, which was expected.

Weak wind shear over the tropics (read my previous blog on Gustav for more on this effect) has created favorable conditions for these tropical cyclones to grow.  At present, there are three to watch:  Hanna, likely to strike somewhere on the east coast by the end of the week, Ike, further out to sea in the central Atlantic and perhaps to threaten Puerto Rico by the weekend, and Josephine, which will not be in the western Atlantic until September 7 or 8^th at the earliest.

Early to mid September is the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season so it’s not all that unusual to have three storms going at once, but it’s safe to say August was a busy month; quite a bit above the average, and September looks to follow this trend.

As for whether any of these storms may eventually affect Texas and Oklahoma weather, it’s quite doubtful for Hanna while Ike and Josephine are simply too far away to make a call right now.

Thus, plenty of stuff to watch for the next few days….

Take Care,

Steve LaNore

Chief Meteorologist

KXII-TV