Oops, They've Done It Again, Andrea Is Named, Soon To Be Gone

When I began my broadcasting career with the late Roy Leep in Tampa (1971), Dr. Bob Simpson was the Director of NHC.   There were no satellite loops back then.  In fact, all we had were grainy pictures from a Polar orbiting satellite twice a day!. Dr.Neil Frank followed Dr. Simpson and then Dr. Bob Sheets as NHC Directors.   As satellite technology dramatically improved during the 80s & 90s, more systems were spotted way out to sea.  But Doctors Frank & Sheets were extremely conservative when giving out names to storms that would never affect anyone.  Not anymore.  A system in the middle of the Atlantic at almost 40 north latitude was designated Tropical Storm Andrea this morning at 10 AM.  Look where it is and see how the circulation is devoid of any T-Storms.  

Can't find it?  Look for the yellow arrow.  I have no argument that it has a well-defined circulation.  But why give it a name?  Keep it a TD.

OK, so briefly it had winds 40+.  In another 6-12 hours, she's gone.  I call it a wasted name.  What you say?  Of course, heat remains the big story over the Eastern states, but the upper Heat Dome is weakening.. Boston hit 101!

A weak tropical wave is moving across the Gulf with an upper low approaching Florida.  We should see fewer storms around tomorrow as we'll be between systems.

Not everyone is hot.  Much of the western part of our nation is cool to pleasantly warm.

The scattered to numerous storms today kept highs "only" around 90!

Lower rain chances tomorrow will allow highs back to the mid to upper 90s.  As the upper low east of Florida moves our way, rain chances will increase later this week.  I'm still bummed about naming Andrea!  Stay tuned!

Don't Waste A Name, Northeast Heat Wave, Basic Summertime Here

Yesterday NHC began highlighting an area way off the East coast that they gave a low chance to develop.  Today, they have increased those chances to 60%, but I just don't see it.  There is an upper low (lt. blue arrows) just north of this surface swirl (gold arrows), and that should not allow development.  At best, make it a Tropical Depression, but don't waste a name on a system that will affect no one except shipping.  Here are the graphics.

The other big story remains the Heat Dome over the Eastern States.

It's actually hotter up north than down here.  We are not under the center of the Heat Dome, and that allows moisture to rotate around the southern side of the high.

Not everyone is enduring the heat wave.  Many folks in the Western states are delightful.  Not here as we'll be dealing with this heat for many months.

You can see the sea/lake breeze front across Louisiana into Florida, but look at the clusters of storms offshore.  These are weak tropical waves moving westward, showing no signs of development.  Today, the North Shore got the benefit of cooling storms.

Notice the 70s under the clouds on the North Shore while Kenner is 95.  Could that flip-flop for tomorrow?

We all know the 7-day is useless once into June.  Unless there is an obvious upper disturbance coming our way, rain chances each day will be 30-40%.    Stay hydrated, use common sense, and stay tuned!