000 AXNT20 KNHC 262349 TWDAT Tropical Weather Discussion NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL 649 PM EST Thu Jan 26 2017 Tropical Weather Discussion for North America, Central America Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, northern sections of South America, and Atlantic Ocean to the African coast from the Equator to 32N. The following information is based on satellite imagery, weather observations, radar and meteorological analysis. Based on 1800 UTC surface analysis and satellite imagery through 2345 UTC. ...SPECIAL FEATURES... ...Gulf of Mexico Gale... A cold front extends from the Florida Big Bend near 29N83W to 22N94W to 18N93W. The front is forecast to continue moving southeastward across the Gulf waters through Friday. As the high pressure builds behind the front across the western Gulf, gale force will prevail south of 21N and west of 95W. Latest scatterometer data verifies this scenario. Please see the latest NWS High Seas Forecast under AWIPS/WMO headers MIAHSFAT2/FZNT02 KNHC for more details. ...ITCZ/MONSOON TROUGH... The Intertropical Convergence Zone extends from the coast of west Africa near 05N09W to 00N25W then south of the equator to South America. Scattered moderate convection is from 02S-05N between 19W-35W. ...DISCUSSION... GULF OF MEXICO... A cold front extends from the Florida Big Bend near 29N83W to 22N94W to 18N93W. Gale-force winds are occurring over the Bay of Campeche. Please refer to the section above for details. The front is forecast to move southeastward across the Gulf waters through Friday enhancing convection within 30 nm of the front north of 27N, and northern Florida. Scatterometer data depicts fresh to strong northerly winds across the northwest Gulf behind the front while moderate southerly winds prevail across the southeast portion of the basin. Expect for the cold front to continue moving southeast with convection. Winds will weaken tonight below gale-force across the southwest Gulf. CARIBBEAN SEA... Fair weather prevails across the basin as a broad area of high pressure continues centered northeast of Puerto Rico and extends across the Caribbean waters. Scatterometer data depicts gentle to moderate trades across the basin except between 70W-80W, where moderate to fresh winds prevail. Little change is expected during the next two days. ...HISPANIOLA... Mostly fair conditions and clear skies prevail over the island as strong subsidence continues to provide an overall stable environment over the region. Little change is expected during the next two days. ATLANTIC OCEAN... A cold front extends across the west Atlantic north of our area of discussion. The proximity of this boundary is enhancing convection mainly north of 29N and west of 78W. A 1021 mb surface high is centered near 25N63W. To the east, another frontal boundary extends across the central Atlantic analyzed as a cold front from 31N44W to 20N56W then as a stationary front from that point to 16N63W. Isolated showers are observed along the northern portion of the front mainly north of 25N. A frontal boundary also prevails across the eastern portion of the basin, analyzed as a cold front from 31N11W to 26N20W to 26N27W, then as a stationary front from that point to 29N32W. No significant convection is related to these features. Expect during the next 24 hours for the cold fronts to continue moving east. Little change is expected elsewhere. For additional information please visit http://www.hurricanes.gov/marine $$ ERA