Finally # 4

All the Hurricane Gurus are scratching their heads wondering how they can have 16 named storms but only 3 reached Hurricane force...err, make that 4 now that Ophelia has strengthened tonight. Once suggestion is that modern technology allows NHC to name every swirl that forms over the ocean. Never mind many have been so remote that they will never affect anyone, nor several so small that they didn't survive but 2-3 days. 16 named storms? Technically correct, but years ago many of those small storms would not have been named.

With the MJO currently unfavorable(sinking air), and strong westerly winds roaring across the Gulf, we will easily get deep into October before any tropical disturbance tries to head into the Gulf. By then water temps will be lower and west winds should steer anything that might develop away from us to the east. Juan did happen in late October 1985, but those storms are rare and don't require evacuation. Stay tuned.

In the short term, our next cold front will have some punch. Winds will be roaring from the north by Friday PM and the cold air could have N-Shore lows in the upper 40s by Sunday AM. Even the S-shore could dip into the high 50s. Jackets & sweaters? yea baby!