Tropical Storm Norbert churns in the Pacific, could strengthen over warmer water while tracking near Hawaii
Although Norbert is moving over warm ocean water, dry air and strong winds higher in the atmosphere are limiting the storm’s ability to strengthen.
El Niño keeps the Pacific basin active this hurricane season
Tropical Storm Norbert remains active in the Pacific as the basin’s 16th named storm of the season. The season has already produced three major hurricanes, with El Niño helping fuel tropical activity and potentially reaching historic strength later this year.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Tropical Storm Norbert will likely maintain its current strength and is no longer forecast to become a hurricane.
- Norbert is tracking farther south, but low to mid-level marginal moisture content and southerly vertical shear are suppressing the storm's chance of strengthening.
- Hawaii, which generally doesn't see much tropical activity, has been impacted by three tropical systems this season, including destructive Hurricane Lowell.
Tropical Storm Norbert is maintaining its status in the Pacific as the 16th named storm in the basin this season, which has already produced three major hurricanes (Category 3+).
The Pacific has been supercharged by an El Niño that could reach historic strength later this year.
(FOX Weather)
Tropical Storm Norbert currently has sustained winds of 60 mph and is slowly moving west-northwest at 10 mph.
Norbert was initially forecast to strengthen to a hurricane, but the National Hurricane Center said this likely won't happen anymore.
Although Norbert is moving over warm ocean water, dry air and strong winds higher in the atmosphere are limiting the storm’s ability to strengthen.
(FOX Weather)
A turn toward the west is forecast on Sunday, and Norbert should continue in this direction during the next several days.
HURRICANE LOWELL FOLLOWS SIMILAR TRACK TO THE WORST HURRICANE IN HAWAII'S HISTORY
Some forecasts suggest Norbert could strengthen if it tracks farther south over warmer water. The warmer ocean could provide more energy, allowing the storm to grow larger and stronger.
Right now, the only impact to be felt across Hawaii will be some larger swells on the southern sides of the islands by the beginning of the week, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
(FOX Weather)
Of the 16 named storms in the Central and Eastern Pacific this season, three have had impacts on Hawaii, which generally doesn't see that much tropical activity.
Hurricane Lowell made a rare direct hit on the state's western islands earlier this week.
A strengthening El Niño and favorable atmospheric conditions continue to fuel an active Pacific hurricane season.
Crews walk through the damage and debris left behind by flooding.
(Grand Canyon National Park / Facebook)
El Niño is typically associated with reduced tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic basin and increased storm activity in the Eastern and Central Pacific basins, along with a host of other weather impacts around the world outside of hurricane season.
(FOX Weather)
"Outside of Norbert, there are two other areas to watch, one of which has a high chance of development over the next 7 days situated right around current Tropical Storm Norbert," the FOX Forecast Center said.
Tune into FOX Weather as we track the development of this storm.