MED: Another weak cyclone?

[Matt-hurricanewatcher]

Interesting system moving over the island right now. The sst's are very "low" for tropical cyclone development, I would think about 68-72 degrees. But on the other hand it has good convection near the center with "outflow" out of most quads. I don't know if its a tropical cyclone, but it kind of looks like one, so it needs to be noted.

[Sanibel]

Don't think it could be tropical over 70* SST's. Spain can use every drop of rain it gets.

[Derek Ortt]

it could be tropical over those waters

do not pay attention to the SST. The variable that matters is the temp DIFFERENCE between the SST and tropopause

[vbhoutex]

it could be tropical over those waters

do not pay attention to the SST. The variable that matters is the temp DIFFERENCE between the SST and tropopause

What? Can you explain please?

[Aslkahuna]

I believe what he is referring to is the ability of the atmosphere to develop and maintain the deep convection need for a Tropical Cyclone.

Steve

[george_r_1961]

it could be tropical over those waters

do not pay attention to the SST. The variable that matters is the temp DIFFERENCE between the SST and tropopause

What? Can you explain please?

The temp difference between the water and the tropopause is more important than the SST's alone because a steep gradient(difference in temp between the two with the surface being warmest of course) creates instability, resulting in convection that is needed to fuel a TC.

[Derek Ortt]

it could be tropical over those waters

do not pay attention to the SST. The variable that matters is the temp DIFFERENCE between the SST and tropopause

What? Can you explain please?

it's the vertical temperature gradient that determines instability. If it is very cold aloft, te SST can be cooler, yet there is sufficient instability to allow for a TC

[vbhoutex]

it could be tropical over those waters

do not pay attention to the SST. The variable that matters is the temp DIFFERENCE between the SST and tropopause

What? Can you explain please?

it's the vertical temperature gradient that determines instability. If it is very cold aloft, te SST can be cooler, yet there is sufficient instability to allow for a TC

Thanks Derek!!

[RL3AO]

it could be tropical over those waters

do not pay attention to the SST. The variable that matters is the temp DIFFERENCE between the SST and tropopause

What? Can you explain please?

I think the reason Epsilon was able to maintain itself over fairly cold waters is because the upper atmosphere was really cold.