SconnieCane wrote:Question: Do we know for sure that this system is going to be a subtropical-type cyclone? Water temperatures are certainly warm enough to support a traditional tropical cyclone. Does the thread title refer more to the location of development than the type?
The initial development will be baroclinic (non-tropical). The surface low forms undeneath a cold core 500MB low. The surface reflection, whether a trough or low then retrogrades (to at least some extent) westward beneath a strong 500MB ridge to its north. Because of the cold temperatures aloft, it should generate a decent amount of convection, which, in turn, would warm the core. The system will likely try and acquire tropical characteristics during its life process.
Bottom line is that will initially be a non-tropical low, which will try to transition to tropical cyclone, possibly spending some time as a subtropical cyclone during the transition. It all depends upon its evolution and when/if it becomes classied by NHC.