ATLANTIC & PACIFIC HURRICANE ACTIVITY & PREDICTIONS 2014
Here are the current surface water temperatures displayed a day before the official start of the 2014 Eastern North Pacific tropical cyclone (hurricane) season. Note the warm waters off the west coast of southern Mexico and Central America.
The warmest water region of May 15 has begun to spread outwards.
Tropical Storm Fausto forms out at sea in the warm waters of the Pacific. Though the waters are fine other elements prevent the cyclone from strengthening further and Fausto dissipates on July 09.
Here are the current surface water temperatures displayed a day before the official start of the 2014 Eastern North Pacific tropical cyclone (hurricane) season. Note the warm waters off the west coast of southern Mexico and Central America.
Atlantic Hurricane Activity
As if choosing July by choice, only three hours into the new month on July 01 (Canada Day) at 0300 UTC Tropical Depression - One forms in the Atlantic about 105 miles, 170 km ESE of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Twelve hours later it becomes Tropical Storm Arthur. Arthur increases in strength and reaches Category 2 Hurricane status before reaching the Outer Banks, North Carolina at 0335 UTC, July 04 (US Independence Day). Arthur eventually crosses over the Canadian Maritime provinces as a strong post-tropical storm.
Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Activity
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On May 6, before the official beginning of the hurricane season, May 15, a system develops but makes landfall before being able to evolve further.
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Seven days after the official start of the season, on May 22 Amanda becomes the first tropical cyclone of the season. She continues to strengthen and by May 25 she becomes a Category Four Major Hurricane, the strongest cyclone ever to form in the month of May.
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On June 02 a tropical depression forms south of Mexico and becomes Tropical Storm Boris the following day. Because it traverses the isthmus and crosses over from the Pacific into the Atlantic basin, Boris, though short-lived causes major flooding and six fatalities.
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On June 09 the third depression forms southwest of Mexico and becomes a tropical storm later in the day. Cristina becomes a hurricane on June 11. On June 12 Cristina sets a new record by becoming a Category 4 Major Hurricane, the first time two such powerful hurricanes occur so early.
Surface Water Temperatures in the Atlantic and Pacific
Tropical cyclone formation (hurricane activity) relies on, amongst other elements, on warm waters for cyclogenesis. They typically form over large bodies of relatively warm waters (of at least 26.5°C [80°F]) throughout a sufficient depth. These warm waters fuel the heat engine of the tropical cyclone.
The evaporation of water from the ocean surface, which ultimately recondenses into clouds and rain when moist air rises and cools to saturation, gives energy to the cyclone. Because of this key element in cyclone formation, scientists keep a close eye on the water temperatures.
Progression of 2014 hurricane season events
Gallery highlighting tropical cyclone formations and surface water temperatures in the Atlantic and Pacific basins as well as any major news items in relation to these events
