top of page

The Storm that could!

Writer's picture: Meteorologist James. F Meteorologist James. F

Over the last 24 hours, I have been posting a lot about Invest 97-L on our Facebook page.

Because I have been tracking and watching this system, looking at satellite Imagery and sea level pressures, watching it become better organized making me think that, this system is a fighter against moderate wind shear, cool water temperatures of 22 to 24 degrees, and only moderate moist air.


Over those 24 hours, the storm grew, then would fall apart for a few hours, then intensify again, then fall apart, and develop a new band of thunderstorms, this is one of many signs that a storm has a better chance of or is developing into something bigger! however despite the increase in thunderstorm activity.. The NHC still did not believe it would develop.


However Invest 97-L proved them wrong, and over the last several hours this evening on a Tuesday of August 20th, 2019 she became stronger, she developed more intense thunderstorms and started growing a circulation, she then started picking up winds of over 60km/h, and by 11pm eastern time she was finally born as our 3rd Tropical Storm of the 2019 Hurricane season.


She fought a lot against moderate wind shear, and cooler waters but that did not stop her, Chantal is now a Small tiny storm in the open Atlantic just 780km SE of Halifax, Nova Scotia and 475km SSW of Cape Race, Newfoundland.


Despite Moderate shear, Chantal is now entering areas of warmer waters of over 26*C, and moderate moisture. This should help keep Chantal alive for the next 5 to 7 days, and it will not surprise me if Chantal even intensifies a little to a 80km/h storm.


Chantal is heading at a speedy 22mph or 35km/h Eastward into the further open Atlantic where it will remain there for next 7 days, It is being steered by a Bermuda Azores High pressure, By next 48 hours it will begin a Southerly turn and do a loop around. Chantal is no threat to any landmass, however with it being blocked in an open wide area for several days, this will build seas, especially if she intensifies in the next 72 to 120hrs thanks to warmer waters and light to no wind shear. Folks in Newfoundland & Nova Scotia should be cautious for building waves over next several days.



Comments


bottom of page