000 AXNT20 KNHC 220526 TWDAT Tropical Weather Discussion NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL 126 AM EDT Sat Apr 22 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 0000 UTC surface analysis and satellite imagery through 0515 UTC. ...SPECIAL FEATURES... A tight pressure gradient between a broad low pressure system centered near 35N44W and an area of high pressure to the west is supporting gale-force winds north of 29N between 42W and 48W. Seas in this area will range between 12 to 17 ft through the gale event. These conditions will continue through tonight, ending by 22/0600 UTC. Please see the latest High Seas Forecast product under the WMO header FZNT02 KNHC and under the AWIPS header MIAHSFAT2 for further details. ...ITCZ/MONSOON TROUGH... The Monsoon Trough extends across the western Africa coast from 11N15W to 04N18W. The Intertropical Convergence Zone continues from 04N18W to 00N30W to 01N38W to the South American near 02S45W. Widely scattered moderate convection is from 01S-07N between 10W-18W, and from 05S-04N between 20W-50W. ...DISCUSSION... GULF OF MEXICO... A 1020 mb high is centered over the W Atlantic near 29N67W. Surface ridging extends W to E Texas near 30N94W producing 10-20 kt E to SE winds over the Gulf of Mexico with strongest winds over the SE Gulf, and weakest winds over the NE Gulf. Radar imagery shows scattered showers over the SE Gulf and the Straits of Florida. Mostly fair weather is over the remainder of the Gulf. In the upper levels, an upper level trough is over Texas supporting a cold front near Dallas Texas. An upper level ridge is over the Gulf with axis along 80W. Upper level moisture is over the SE Gulf. Strong subsidence is over the remainder of the Gulf. Expect the Texas cold front to be over the NW Gulf in 24 hours with scattered showers. Also expect scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms to persist over the SE Gulf for the next 24 hours. CARIBBEAN SEA... A surface trough is over the W Caribbean from 18N80W to 12N80W. Widely scattered moderate convection and scattered showers are over the central Caribbean N of 15N, and over the W Caribbean N of 20N, to include Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Cuba. Further W, a surface trough is over the Yucatan Peninsula from 21N87W to 17N89W producing a wind shift. 20 kt SE wind are noted over the north central Caribbean. In the upper levels, mostly zonal flow is noted. Upper level moisture is over the central Caribbean N of 15N, and over the W Caribbean N of 20N. Strong subsidence is over the SE Caribbean. Expect over the next 24 hours for additional scattered showers to be over Puerto Rico, and the Leeward Islands. Expect little change elsewhere. ...HISPANIOLA... Presently scattered showers are over Hispaniola. Expect Widely scattered moderate convection and scattered showers over the island for the next 24 hours. Expect the heaviest convection over the afternoon and evening hours, during maximum heating. ATLANTIC OCEAN... Gale force winds are over a small area of the central Atlantic for a few more hours. See above. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are over the Bahamas. A 1020 mb high is centered over the W Atlantic near 29N67W. The tail end of a stationary front is over the central Atlantic from 31N37W to 21N45W. Scattered moderate convection is from 27N-30N between 37W-40W. Scattered showers are elsewhere within 60 nm of the front. A 1020 mb high is centered W of the Canary Islands near 30N21W. Of note in the upper levels, a large upper level low is centered over the central Atlantic near 39N46W enhancing convection mostly E of the center. Expect over the next 24 hours for scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms to persist over the Bahamas. Also expect little change over the central Atlantic. For additional information please visit http://www.hurricanes.gov/marine $$ Formosa