Eta Is Inland, But For How Long?

Satellite views have the center of weakening Hurricane Eta (now Cat. 2) moving slowly (w at 6 mph) on a path that will keep it over land for the next 2-3 days.

NHC is following computer models that turn what's left of Eta towards the NNE by this weekend and redevelop it over the NW Caribbean.

Some models do bring it back over the eastern Gulf for early next week, but it is a far different Gulf than from even a week ago.

Your can understand how Eta increased while over the warm waters (84-86 degrees) of the Caribbean.  But look how cool (70s) the Gulf is north of 25 degrees latitude.   Probably what will happen is Eta (or Theta) will become a Tropical Storm or hurricane when it emerges back over the Caribbean, but the farther north it goes, Cuba & cooler waters should weaken it.  IF it did go over Florida and get back into the eastern Gulf, water temps are in the low to mid 70s.   That should prevent it from becoming tropical (warm core) and we may end up with a more winter-like system.  In addition, David Bernard showed these graphics last night and they should make everyone feel less nervous.

The only major hurricane to reach the Gulf was Kate back in 1985.  More importantly, of the 60 hurricanes that have formed in November, NONE, NA DA, ZERO have crossed the LA/MS coastlines. Florida is likely to see some impacts from whatever survives next week, but it will not become a major storm again.

A large area of high pressure covers the eastern states and it's bringing some chilly air all the way down into south Florida.   You'll need sweaters and jackets in the morning, but all day sunshine will quickly warm us up to near 70+ by noon time.   We'll get more humid later this week as the good feel air retreats back to the NE.  Until then, enjoy.  Stay tuned!