000 AXNT20 KNHC 211806 TWDAT Tropical Weather Discussion NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL 206 PM EDT Sat Oct 21 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 1745 UTC. ...TROPICAL WAVES... A tropical wave is in the central Atlc with axis extending from 20N46W to 10N48W, moving W at 20 kt. Satellite derived data indicate the wave is in a strong vertical wind shear environment. CIRA LPW imagery show abundant dry air in the majority of the wave environment at the lower levels. Enhanced IR imagery show Saharan dry air and dust in the wave environment as well. The aforementioned environment hinders convection at this time. A tropical wave is in the western Caribbean with axis extending from 20N80W to 09N79W, moving W at 20 kt. The wave is in a region of low to moderate vertical wind shear. However, deep layer moisture along with upper level divergence support scattered heavy showers and tstms from 13N-20N between 75W-86W. A tropical wave is across Central America with axis extending from 21N86W across western Honduras to EPAC waters near 08N88W, moving W at 20-25 kt. The wave is in a region of moderate to strong vertical wind shear and shallow moisture. Middle level diffluence support scattered showers from 16N-20N between 86W-89W. ...ITCZ/MONSOON TROUGH... The monsoon trough extends from the African coast near 08N13W to 07N20W. The Intertropical Convergence Zone axis extends from 07N20W to 06N34W to 06N48W. Scattered moderate convection is from 04N-10N between 32W-42W. ...DISCUSSION... GULF OF MEXICO... Middle to upper level ridging prevails across the eastern half of the Gulf while a trough aloft covers the western half of it. Diffluent flow between these two features along with shallow moisture support scattered showers and isolated tstms E of 90W. Strong dry air subsidence from aloft support clear skies W of 90W. The SW periphery of a broad surface ridge anchored over the NE CONUS covers the NE Gulf and provides the Gulf with moderate to fresh return flow E of 90W. Gentle to moderate return flow is elsewhere. Return flow is expected to continue through Sunday afternoon. The wind flow will then change as a cold front enters the NW basin Sunday night and a tropical wave moves across the southern Gulf waters. Gale force winds are forecast to develop behind the cold front Monday. CARIBBEAN SEA... Two tropical waves underneath an upper ancticylcone are the drivers of the weather in the western Caribbean W of 75W along with the eastern extension of the monsoon trough. Strong dry air subsidence covers the remainder basin supporting fair weather. However, a plume of Saharan dry air and dust is spread across Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and the Leeward Islands, thus decreasing the air quality and reducing visibility. Otherwise, strong high pressure N of the area continue to support fresh to strong trades in the central and E Caribbean. A tropical wave will enter the E Caribbean Sunday morning and mover across Puerto Rico Tuesday. ...HISPANIOLA... Cloudiness and possible isolated showers are mainly across the western half of the Island while a plume of Saharan dry air and dust is spread across the remainder Hispaniola, thus decreasing the air quality and reducing visibility. Similar conditions expected tomorrow Sunday. ATLANTIC OCEAN... A weakening stationary front extends from 30N56W to 25N67W to 26N77W. Isolated showers are within 200 nm either side of the front. Strong high pressure centered NE of the Azores covers the remainder basin. For additional information please visit http://www.hurricanes.gov/marine $$ Ramos