Systems close to the equator

[Chacor]

I believe that the closest recorded centre of a developed tropical storm to the equator is Cyclone Agni 2004 at 0.4N. However, a current invest, 95A, seems to have done the impossible with a reported centre at 0.2N according to the NRL best-track - http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/atcf_web/doc ... 952006.dat

Is this the closest recorded centre of circulation for a system to the equator ever?

[brunota2003]

I thought there was a system that crossed the equator? *looks for topic*

[Aslkahuna]

Typhoon Vamei was a full blown typhoon at 1.5N. This is the most equatorward storm of typhoon or hurricane force intensity known.

Steve

[Chacor]

Yeah, but systems in general? Even for an invest, this is ridiculously close to the equator.

[Aslkahuna]

Not common but happens usually early or late in the season when the Monsoon trough has merged with the near equatorial trough. The intiation mechanism in the absence of Coriolis is horizontal windshear triggered either by a westerly MJO surge or a Trade Wind surge on the poleward side of the disturbance.

Steve