000 AXNT20 KNHC 301747 TWDAT Tropical Weather Discussion NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL 147 PM EDT Sun Apr 30 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 1200 UTC surface analysis and satellite imagery through 1730 UTC. ...SPECIAL FEATURES... A cold front extends over the western Gulf of Mexico from 29N93W to 22N98W. Strong to near-gale northerly winds are already noticed in observations. Gale-force winds expected to continue through tonight, when the pressure gradient is expected to relax as the front moves quickly east. Please refer to the latest National Hurricane Center High Seas Forecast under AWIPS/WMO headers MIAHSFAT2/FZNT02 KNHC, for more details. ...ITCZ/MONSOON TROUGH... The Monsoon Trough remains over Africa. A surface trough extends from 08N19W to 00N20W. The ITCZ extends west of this trough from 03N21W to 01N38W to 02N50W. Scattered moderate convection is observed along and near the surface trough between 14W-20W. Another area of scattered moderate convection prevails within 150 nm on either side of the ITCZ between 30W-50W. ...DISCUSSION... GULF OF MEXICO... A surface ridge extends across the northeastern portion of the basin from a high pressure currently centered over the western and central Atlantic. A cold front extends across the western half of the Gulf with gale winds behind it. Please refer to the Special Features section above for details. A squall line extends west of the front from 29N92W to 27N93W. A 1004 mb surface low is centered near 20N97W with surface trough extending from the low to 23N96W. Scatterometer data depicts moderate to fresh southerly winds across the basin east of the front, with some isolated areas of strong winds possible. Over the next 24-48 hours, the front stall across the central Gulf while weakening. Surface ridge will dominate the area. CARIBBEAN SEA... The pressure gradient across the basin is supporting moderate to fresh trades. An upper-level trough extends over the west Atlantic with its base just north of Hispaniola. The diffluent flow generated by it is supporting abundant cloudiness and persistent scattered to numerous showers that cover the northeast Caribbean mainly north of 16N and east of 71W. Dry air and subsidence are limiting convection across the remainder of the area. A cluster of moderate to strong convection prevails over the EPAC near the Gulf of Panama affecting portions of Central America and its adjacent waters mainly south of 10N. Over the next 24 hours, the showers and thunderstorms will increase over the southwestern Caribbean in response to low-level convergence across the area. Otherwise, little change is expected. The shower activity over the northeast Caribbean will diminish as the diffluence aloft shifts east. ...HISPANIOLA... A diffluent flow aloft prevails across the island supporting cloudiness and scattered showers mainly over the eastern part. Similar activity will continue through the evening hours. Similar scenario is expected during the next 24 hours. ATLANTIC OCEAN... A surface ridge prevails across the basin anchored by a 1028 mb high centered near 31N67W and a 1026 mb high near 32N32W. An upper-level trough with axis extending from east to west from 31N51W to 25N58W to 21N71W is enhancing convection over the northeast Caribbean and south of 22N between 63W-70W. A surface trough extends from 26N48W to 18N52W. To the east, a weak 1018 mb surface low is centered near 21N25W. Expect for this low and fronts to dissipate within the next 24 hours. Little change is expected elsewhere. For additional information please visit http://www.hurricanes.gov/marine $$ ERA