Sunday, September 4, 2011

Katia Rapidly Strengthens to Category 2 Hurricane; Track Out to Sea

Katia has strengthened rapidly overnight to a category 2 hurricane as it progresses along its way. The image you see above displays the eye and surrounding convection of Katia. Notice how defined the eye is, but how much stronger the northern side of the storm appears to be than the southern flank of Katia. This is microwave imagery.
I'm thinking that Katia will probably continue to strengthen and reach Category 3 at maximum. After that, Katia will likely curve out to sea as the Azores High breaks in the western portion asa trough moves through. As Katia gains strength, this solution becomes more likely.
Check out these ensemble models- they tell the story.
Disregard the two tracks going towards the US.
The NHC track goes along nicely with this solution.

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