Seasonal Idiosyncrasy

[Sanibel]

This year I believe I've noticed several peculiar characteristics to many 2004 cyclones.

We can start with the abnormally north and early CV belt this year along with the higher than average tropical Atlantic SST's. Let's not forget the lack of any disturbances in June and July.

One of the features I noticed was a small core appearing far out in the CV track. I believe several of the most outstanding cyclones this year showed a small core disc during formation. This disc later appeared and disappeared within the bigger storm. I would probably need replays of CV IR loops to point this out.

The next feature was a small eye changing to a big eye. Ivan and several other storms (including Charley) displayed a tight-eye followed by a second larger core eye that conformed to this small disc. This tendency was aside from normal eyewall replacement cycling.

A good example is Jeanne who is now hinting this broad eye. If you recall Jeanne also displayed this small core in her loop out in the Atlantic, grew larger, then reverted to the tight core after landfall. I know these are basic cyclone features, but I believe a particular tendency is isolatable this year.


Another subtle feature worth discussing is "flat-edges". Jeanne showed subtle flat edging along her WNW and W sides yesterday before initiating the recurve. Frances displayed a square box-shape to her outflow just before entering the trapping Highs and winding down.


Though these cyclone features are probably in the 'unknown' area of hurricane science, I do believe they speak of influencing factors yet unexplained...