Birth Of A Legend, 1st Hurricane of 2024

I begin by honoring my former colleague, WSH (World Series Hero) & current golfing partner Ron Swoboda.  Rocky celebrates his 80th Birthday tomorrow and I am so grateful to have known him as a dear friend for over 40+ years.  Sure, he's famous for making "The Catch" (Google it) in 1969 helping his Mets win the World Series.   But I'm more impressed by his love for New Orleans.  He could have gone anywhere ( he's worked in 4 TV markets), yet he chose NOLA & his love for food & Jazz.  Happy 80th Ronnie & many more.

Of course that's John Snell, Margaret Dubuisson & me with Ron at one of our yearly reunions.  What a great anchor team!  But let's get to the Tropics where we could be tracking 3 named storms shortly.

The far eastern disturbance is now given a 70% chance to develop, but that's so far out we must focus on what's closer and that's our 1st Hurricane of the season.

Hurricane Beryl's satellite structure continues to improve and NHC is now predicting she will become a major Cat. 3 storm  before roaring through the southern Windward Islands.  Hurricane Warnings have been issued.

Since we have an upper heat dome protecting us, it appears Beryl will be forced to follow a track similar to Alberto well to our south.  She should not be our storm.  Ahead of Beryl, we still have Invest 94 L that could develop tomorrow as it moves into the extreme southern Gulf,

As you can see in the color view, there is now a cluster of storms around a mid level center.  This could become Chris tomorrow?  But fear not as that upper heat dome is shifting back over us.

The bottom graphic are the dew points that have the 70+ feel air all the way up to Buffalo!

NWS has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Sunday so if you plan on playing or working outside, pay attention to your body & stay hydrated.  Finally, Beryl is setting records.

The average date for the first hurricane is August 11th. Thanks to Hannah Gard for this graphic.  More importantly, the average date for the first major hurricane is September, not June!  As long as they don't come here!  Stay tuned!