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Danielle weakens, Earl expected to strengthen

Posted by Sheena Parveen under Daily updates

There are 3 systems in the Atlantic to keep an eye on.  First, Hurricane Danielle, which has been downgraded to a category 2.  Second, Tropical Storm Earl which isn’t visibly showing any better signs of organization, but wind speeds have increased, indicating strengthening.  Third, we have a tropical wave, Invest 97L, which may become our next named storm.

Hurricane Danielle has weakened to a category 2 hurricane, and continued weakening is expected as it moves into higher wind shear and cooler waters.  An old frontal boundary moving off the Northeast will push Danielle back out to sea, keeping it away from the United States.

Tropical Storm Earl will continue behind Danielle, possibly traveling in a similar path.  This storm is expected to near Puerto Rico as a hurricane, then head up the Atlantic.  A large ridge of high pressure over much of the Eastern seaboard should keep Earl in the Atlantic for most of the time, but it’s still too far out to be certain.

Invest 97L may be on a similar path as Earl, since computer  models are currently agreeing on a Northwest turn once near the United States.  This system may become a tropical depression soon, then possibly the next named storm which would be “Fiona”.

Through the extended period, the GFS doesn’t significantly develop Invest 97L, but it does keep Earl at a strong hurricane.  This is also something we’ll have to keep an eye on as the forecast becomes more uncertain with time.

There are pockets of light wind shear throughout the Atlantic where conditions are favorable for further strengthening of both Earl and Invest 97L.  As for Danielle, weakening will occur on a continued path to the NE.