According to Dr. Jeff Masters’ Wunderblog, the same jet stream pattern that helped bring record-breaking storms to the East Coast will probably break up potential hurricanes along the Gulf Coast.
This jet stream pattern should act to keep wind shear high over the main breeding grounds for July tropical cyclones–the Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas, and western Caribbean. If a hurricane does manage to develop and dodge the shear, it is unlikely it will become a major hurricane, due to the relatively cool ocean waters expected this July, compared to July 2005. Thus, July 2006 will not be a repeat of July 2005, which had five named storms, three hurricanes, and two intense hurricanes.
Can we get a sign of relief? Probably not from the East Coast. More on those storms soon…
Kit Stolz 