*Mostly neutral conditions, possibilty for a weak El Nino though.
*Above normal SST's, "only to get warmer" says Stacy Stewart. This could also aid systems, and as Stacy Stewart also said that we may see some increase in the waves east of the Lesser Antillies to where they get into the Western Caribbean and may "already have a kick", where the early season can be rather active.
*Wave activity is already occuring, and it looks to be getting only stronger into the season.
*From what I have read on the internet, heard from friends and certain people, it appears the ridge will build like 2004, if not stronger.
Bottom line is, this season looks to be the potential sibling of the 2004 Hurricane Season.
Also, the United States has lucked out from three potential Category 5 hits on the US coast over the last three seasons:
2002: Isidore ----Izzy could have been (And probably would have been) and Category 5 for Louisiana or Texas if not for high pressure dipping south enough to push it into the Yucatan. Isidore had almost no shear, and had extremely warm water as well as dynamic outflow:::
FORECASTER STEWART
FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS
INITIAL 21/2100Z 21.9N 86.2W 110 KTS
12HR VT 22/0600Z 21.9N 87.0W 120 KTS
24HR VT 22/1800Z 21.9N 88.0W 125 KTS
36HR VT 23/0600Z 21.9N 89.2W 125 KTS
48HR VT 23/1800Z 22.0N 90.3W 125 KTS
72HR VT 24/1800Z 22.5N 92.5W 130 KTS
2004: Charley ----We all know how Charley's story goes. Definite Category 5 had it had another 4 hours our water. Charley was 6 mph away from Category 5...that's too close.
2004: Frances ----Category 5 for Florida no doubt. Thankfully, for the United States, sterring currents collapsed, and Hurricane Frances sat in front of shear that would have had little impact had she kept moving.
If Isidore, Charley, and Frances came so darn close...what about Bret...or Emily...or Harvey...or Jose? Time will tell, being prepared is all a person can do.


