Iota Nearing the Pacific...

The circulation of once Cat. 5 Hurricane Iota is still well defined on satellite loops despite being over land for almost 24 hours.  That circulation is expected to move out over the Pacific, but NHC is indicating none of the models regenerate it.

The tracks of Eta & Iota briefly crossed about 20 miles off the coast of Nicaragua, but the 2 landfall paths ended up about 15 miles from each other.  That is about as close to 2 direct hits as you can get happening within 12 days of each other.   Many people will be impacted for weeks & months from now.  Hopefully worldwide help will arrive soon?

Our local weather is under the influence of a large, cold high centered near Louisville.   Most of the North Shore was in the 30s this morning and that should be the case again tomorrow.  The warmer waters of Lake Pontchartrain will keep the South Shore about 10-15 degrees above the North Shore and you can see the Lake Effect at work tonight.

The other big story is the beginning of the rainy season out west.   It should finally allow fire fighters to get the many blazes under control.

Speaking of fires, since our skies were so clear due to the big surface high, many fire plumes could be seen on the daylight satellite views.

Some of these fires could be the burning of debris caused by Hurricane Zeta?   Whatever, we are getting dry and folks need to be cautious with fires as no rain is expected during the next 5 days.  Enjoy the morning chill as the muggies will be back over the weekend.  Stay tuned!