jlauderdal wrote:USTropics wrote:For the next 24-48 hours, the consolidation process is a bit complex. We have multiple vortices embedded within the wave envelope (circled in pink and orange), and convergence is currently favored to the southwest:
https://i.imgur.com/EOYjIkB.png
We can see in the 925mb (low-level) vorticity animation below this branching towards the SW as well, and this will likely cause the orientation of our wave axis to tilt this morning:
https://i.imgur.com/bOvfr4i.gif
The 00z ECMWF model does an excellent job of capturing this evolution, with the most likely outcome being the SW lobe/vortex pivoting towards the NE today (pink) while the NE lobe pivots towards the SW (orange):
https://i.imgur.com/q4s0MSt.png
This will assist in orientating the wave axis more north → south and is one of the precursors we look for in the consolidation/development process:
https://i.ibb.co/pzjYNT0/3b4d75e8-90b2-4b6a-b361-7ce030eb7e9d.gif
Good test for the euro to see how its handling the current setup.
The current GFS run (06z) actually has a very similar evolution, but is much quicker in the consolidation process:

If this occurs quicker (current GFS and yesterdays 12z ECMWF solution), I wouldn't rule out a deepening hurricane on approach to the Leeward islands. If this process is slower (00z EMCWF run), the system could struggle on approach to the Caribbean.
As always, the ensembles are a great tool here. We can see when/where this consolidation process occurs has track implications further west:

