Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

Bonnie barely alive
Posted by: Dr. Jeff Masters, 12:58 PM GMT am 24. Juli 2010 +3
Tropical Depression Bonnie is barely clinging to life. Wind shear of 25 knots and dry air from an upper-level low pressure system over the Gulf of Mexico are taking their toll on Bonnie, which is now just a swirl of low clouds accompanied by a small clump of heavy thunderstorms on the north side of the center of circulation. These thunderstorms are now visible on New Orleans long range radar, and will arrive in coastal Louisiana early this afternoon, well ahead of the center. The Hurricane Hunters are in Bonnie, and have found a much weaker storm with top winds of just 30 mph.


Figure 1. Morning satellite image of Tropical Depression Bonnie. At the time, Bonnie had sustained winds of 30 mph.

Forecast for Bonnie
The current NHC forecast for Bonnie looks good, with the storm making landfall in Louisiana near 9pm CDT Saturday night. According to the latest tide information, this will be near the time of low tide. This will result in much less oil entering the Louisiana marshlands than occurred during Hurricane Alex in June. That storm brought a storm surge of 2 - 4 feet and sustained winds of 20 - 30 mph that lasted for several days, including several high tide cycles. Bonnie will be lucky to be a tropical depression at landfall, and should only create a storm surge of 1 - 2 feet that will come at low tide. This will result in a storm tide level that will inundate land to at most one foot above ground level.

Resources for the BP oil disaster
Map of oil spill location from the NOAA Satellite Services Division
My post, What a hurricane would do the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
My post on the Southwest Florida "Forbidden Zone" where surface oil will rarely go
My post on what oil might do to a hurricane
NOAA's interactive mapping tool to overlay wind and ocean current forecasts, oil locations, etc.
Gulf Oil Blog from the UGA Department of Marine Sciences
Oil Spill Academic Task Force
University of South Florida Ocean Circulation Group oil spill forecasts
ROFFS Deepwater Horizon page
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery from the University of Miami

Elsewhere in the tropics
There are no other threat areas of concern today. The only model calling for possible tropical development in the next week is the NOGAPS model, which predicts a strong tropical disturbance could form off the coast of Nicaragua in the Southwest Caribbean about a week from now.

Next update
The next updates will be by wunderground meteorologists Rob Carver and Shaun Tanner. I'm taking advantage of a break in the tropical action to take a few days away. I'll be back blogging on Friday, at the latest.

Jeff Masters
Categories: Hurricane
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1452. atmoaggie 02:03 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting Asta:
Hey all-
4.5 inches of rain here North of Covington, LA-
just stopped raining.. Bonnie's fizzle-drizzle was great for the garden...
??? Wow. 15 miles away from you, we got under an inch.

I did notice yesterday and this morning that you guys were getting a lot more on the radar...
Member Since: August 16, 2007 Posts: 6 Comments: 12461
1453. hydrus 02:03 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting sammywammybamy:


To all in Lousiana, Have you Seen this man today?




EDIT: ITS JIM CANTORE.
I have seen him many times in the past 20 years or so...Good Morning Sammy and Atmo..
Member Since: September 27, 2007 Posts: 1 Comments: 14682
1454. Chicklit 02:04 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting Weather456:


the wave marks the the leading edge of the SAL airmass

Hi 456, Dakar, Senegal is way over on the east coast.


Member Since: Juli 11, 2006 Posts: 14 Comments: 10380
1455. Orcasystems 02:04 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Member Since: Oktober 1, 2007 Posts: 77 Comments: 26110
1456. atmoaggie 02:07 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting hydrus:
I have seen him many times in the past 20 years or so...Good Morning Sammy and Atmo..
G'morn. Break time while I go make coffee. Been sitting on the porch watching the trees sway leaves wiggle in the winds breeze.
Member Since: August 16, 2007 Posts: 6 Comments: 12461
1458. wxhatt 02:08 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Good Morning All,

Even though there is a lot of SAL around, it looks like there's plenty of moisture in the caribbean.

Member Since: Oktober 5, 2005 Posts: 2 Comments: 834
1459. Cavin Rawlins 02:08 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
For those that cannot see the tropical wave in the central caribbean look at:

water vapor loop - nearing 70W notice cyclonic turning in the mid-level dry air.

AVN infrared - notice light shower activity approaching 70W marking the line of convergence along the surface reflection of the wave.

San Juan Upper Air time obs - notice the jet max near 24-25 July at 800mb-750mb

and weak vorticity anomaly at 700 mb.
Member Since: Juli 24, 2005 Posts: 407 Comments: 19076
1460. Chicklit 02:08 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting atmoaggie:
G'morn. Break time while I go make coffee. Been sitting on the porch watching the trees sway leaves wiggle in the winds breeze.

hahahaha...cute. yes, atmo. it's all in the editing! good morning.
Member Since: Juli 11, 2006 Posts: 14 Comments: 10380
1461. Asta 02:08 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting atmoaggie:
??? Wow. 15 miles away from you, we got under an inch.

I did notice yesterday and this morning that you guys were getting a lot more on the radar...

we had a big gush this morning with lots of lightning strikes. Both Dogs got scared, jumped up on the bed shaking from the thunder.. The geese didn't care.. I'm just grateful for the rain. Keeps things cooler.
if the season stays like this- I'm fine with that.
Member Since: Juli 4, 2008 Posts: 30 Comments: 1018
1463. IKE 02:11 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting Asta:

we had a big gush this morning with lots of lightning strikes. Both Dogs got scared, jumped up on the bed shaking from the thunder.. The geese didn't care.. I'm just grateful for the rain. Keeps things cooler.
if the season stays like this- I'm fine with that.


Positive thinking! +1

Member Since: Juni 9, 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37070
1464. wxhatt 02:13 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting Weather456:
For those that cannot see the tropical wave in the central caribbean look at:

water vapor loop - nearing 70W notice cyclonic turning in the mid-level dry air.

AVN infrared - notice light shower activity approaching 70W marking the line of convergence along the surface reflection of the wave.

San Juan Upper Air time obs - notice the jet max near 24-25 July at 800mb-750mb

and weak vorticity anomaly at 700 mb.


Do you think has potential for development?
Member Since: Oktober 5, 2005 Posts: 2 Comments: 834
1466. stillwaiting 02:14 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
notice the area off nicuragua,looks like next invest IMO!!!
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1467. Chicklit 02:15 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
That's fantastic! Thanks 456!
I see it now.
Member Since: Juli 11, 2006 Posts: 14 Comments: 10380
1469. catastropheadjuster 02:17 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Good Morning StormW,Ike,W456 and everyone else, I see we all have our coffee this morning.
At least our wave brought some rain and cooled down the temps a little. Last week at the boat shop the heat index was 112. It was so hot. Sometimes it makes it hard to breath. So from what i am reading it's suppose to be quite for the next couple of weeks. I read your blog StormW really good update. And Thank You. You make it easy to read for the ones that don't understand all the weather terms. So does Levi and some others. Thanks for all the work you all do and the time you take to do it.
sheri
Member Since: August 24, 2006 Posts: 21 Comments: 3559
1471. Cavin Rawlins 02:17 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting wxhatt:


Do you think has potential for development?


once it reaches the area of low pressure in the WCAIB (1-2 days), it will have a small window of opportunity in which to do so before the entire area moves across CAMERICA (2-3 days).
Member Since: Juli 24, 2005 Posts: 407 Comments: 19076
1472. IKE 02:18 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting DestinJeff:


here you go, Ike.


Action:
Quote
| Ignore User




LOL...
Member Since: Juni 9, 2005 Posts: 23 Comments: 37070
1473. atmoaggie 02:18 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
On second thought, this dewpoint drop is prolly just the usual diurnal cycle-type. Right time of day for it...

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1474. Asta 02:22 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Thanks!
I gave the dogs some breakfast and they're better now..no more thunder!





Member Since: Juli 4, 2008 Posts: 30 Comments: 1018
1475. stillwaiting 02:24 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
look near 14N,81W that appears to be where a surface circulation is trying/starting to intiate IMO...
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1476. cirrocumulus 02:25 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Weather456 is catching the storms first again! Thanks 456.
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1478. Asta 02:29 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
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1479. portcharlotte 02:32 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
456..once in the W. Carib an upper trof is expected over in the E. US coast. If it hung around could the potential system go north?


Quoting Weather456:


once it reaches the area of low pressure in the WCAIB (1-2 days), it will have a small window of opportunity in which to do so before the entire area moves across CAMERICA (2-3 days).
Member Since: September 7, 2008 Posts: 0 Comments: 703
1480. stillwaiting 02:34 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
sheer over the area is 10ktish,looks like a anticyclone building aloft near the area as well(nicaragua area)....
Member Since: Oktober 5, 2007 Posts: 20 Comments: 4970
1481. CybrTeddy 02:35 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
00z ECMWF shows a weaker system 192 hours out but still there. Its worth watching.



12z GFS para is interesting, looks like a strong wave/ TD off Africa at 162 hours.


at 192 hours


Will be interesting if either of these scenarios play out.
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1482. IKE 02:35 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Ya think there's a high pressure centered just north of NC?

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1483. Andrew92survivor 02:35 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting IKE:


LOL!

Anytime anybody comes on here and says....

(1)I've been lurking for years....
(2)Thought I would finally join in on the blog....

Sorry...it raises an eyebrow.



I come in peace IKE.... I've always noticed you are one of the most verbose in the group and I enjoy reading your entries. I look forward to interacting with everyone when it gets dicey in here :)
Member Since: Juli 23, 2010 Posts: 0 Comments: 18
1485. cg2916 02:37 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting IKE:
Ya think there's a high pressure centered just north of NC?



Yes, because I'm baking in SC.
Member Since: Dezember 21, 2007 Posts: 13 Comments: 2954
1486. Asta 02:39 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Member Since: Juli 4, 2008 Posts: 30 Comments: 1018
1487. FtLaudman 02:39 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Tropical Storm Bonnie amounted to what is equalivent to Mother Nature having a "tropical fart" just little wind.
1488. VAbeachhurricanes 02:42 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting IKE:
Ya think there's a high pressure centered just north of NC?



i do, its gonna be 104 here today.....
Member Since: September 6, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 4878
1489. MiamiHurricanes09 02:42 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting CybrTeddy:
00z ECMWF shows a weaker system 192 hours out but still there. Its worth watching.



12z GFS para is interesting, looks like a strong wave/ TD off Africa at 162 hours.


at 192 hours


Will be interesting if either of these scenarios play out.
You may of missed the disturbance in the SW Caribbean on the 12z parallel GFS at 192 hours. Although it is long range it is something to watch for nonetheless.
Member Since: September 2, 2009 Posts: 129 Comments: 20002
1490. cg2916 02:42 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Notice how slow the blog is when nothing is out there.
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1491. weatherguy03 02:43 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Member Since: Juli 5, 2005 Posts: 581 Comments: 29681
1492. Patrap 02:44 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Never doubt ones Luck,and the Power of the Antiques Road Show.

Wife made it onto the production floor at the Antiques Road Show in Biloxi yesterday.

And when the appraiser told her what the value of a Single Pottery piece was.

She,,and a friend in the green room watching the Taping production,,well...went directly to tears.

Im still in shock.


Were very happy.

Show will air in January.



Member Since: Juli 3, 2005 Posts: 377 Comments: 112968
1493. Asta 02:45 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting Patrap:
Never doubt ones Luck,and the Power of the Antiques Road Show.

Wife made it onto the production floor at the Antiques Road Show in Biloxi yesterday.

And when the appraiser told her what the value of a Single Pottery piece was.

She,,and a friend in the green room watching the Taping production,,well...went directly to tears.

Im still in shock.


Were very happy.

Show will air in January.


Congrats!!
Member Since: Juli 4, 2008 Posts: 30 Comments: 1018
1494. SeaSleuth 02:45 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Good Morning,
2) Just had to post to watch Ike's eyebrow raise again. 1) Have been lurking since getting stuck inside with Fla's 4 in a row and ran across the site. Belong to the old school, don't say much unless I know something about it and then I talk your ear off. Since I know little about the weather, there has been no reason to post.
Only posting now to say I liked Storm's rendition of a hypothesis chart to analyse the predictors for the rest of the season. I may use that in my class to illustrate how to study a complex system.
As to the drama, it once again illustrates that physical science is not dull once the scientists, pseudo-scientists, and anti-scientists enter the picture. It is a key part of science in the real world that scientists have to learn to deal with.
Looks like a Chamber of Commerce day in Ormond Beach. Have a great day!
1495. Patrap 02:46 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Was perfect sleeping in weather from Bonnie's remnant's Uptown this am too..rumbling and stumbling it was.
Member Since: Juli 3, 2005 Posts: 377 Comments: 112968
1496. Patrap 02:46 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
Quoting Asta:

Congrats!!


tyvm...

One has to find a Big Safety Deposit Box though.
Member Since: Juli 3, 2005 Posts: 377 Comments: 112968
1498. Patrap 02:50 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    


by Maya Rodriguez / Eyewitness News

wwltv.com

Posted on July 24, 2010 at 6:24 PM

Updated yesterday at 6:24 PM

GRAND ISLE, La - From overcast skies and rain, to the hot sun and steam that followed, revelers at Island Aid didn't let anything get in their way of a good time.

"It looks like South Beach out here, don't you think?" said Philip Toups of Thibodaux.

Grand Isle's beach opened up to the public for the benefit concert, which is taking the place of this year's Tarpon Rodeo. It is the first time in more than 80 years that the rodeo has been canceled-- all because of the BP oil spill. The tourism-based economy on the island has been hit hard. Bobby Pitre's art is depicting some of that frustration, through its oil spill-related images.
Member Since: Juli 3, 2005 Posts: 377 Comments: 112968
1499. stormpetrol 02:50 PM GMT am 25. Juli 2010    
LLC of ex Bonnie still offshore at 28N/93.5W
Member Since: April 29, 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 6493

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About JeffMasters
Jeff co-founded the Weather Underground in 1995 while working on his Ph.D. He flew with the NOAA Hurricane Hunters from 1986-1990.

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