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New Invest 99L to watch in the central Atlantic

By: Dr. Jeff Masters, 7:22 PM GMT on August 01, 2008

Welcome to August! Out in the middle of the Atlantic there is a new area of interest to watch. The low pressure system is expected to move slowly westward and toward the increasingly warm waters of the western Atlantic. While there is no immediate threat of development, a gradually strengthening is possible.

two_atl.gif
Map of area of interest

There is currently little to no deep convection associated with this system. It is mainly for this reason that no immediate development is expected. It'll be at least 48 hours before we could possibly see any real action here.

20080801.1845.goes12.x.ir1km.99LINVEST.25kts-1008mb-184N-354W.97pc.jpg
Invest 99L - Infrared satellite

However, the surface circulation looks very well defined. Visible satellite imagery is showing a clear closed circulation. With a closed circulation already established, this could lead to rapid intensification of a developing system approaching warm waters. I expect that if a system does develop, it will be very broad which could limit its ultimate peak intensity.

20080801.1845.goes12.x.vis1km.99LINVEST.25kts-1008mb-184N-354W.100pc.jpg
Invest 99L - Visible satellite

A gradual track to the west is expected over the next couple of days. The dynamical models all seem to be in agreement in preventing immediate recurvature of the system.

Cheers,
Bryan Woods

The views of the author are his/her own and do not necessarily represent the position of The Weather Company or its parent, IBM.