000 AXNT20 KNHC 131202 TWDAT Tropical Weather Discussion NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL 702 AM EST Sat Jan 13 2018 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 0600 UTC surface analysis and satellite imagery through 1115 UTC. ...THE MONSOON TROUGH/THE ITCZ... The monsoon trough passes through the coastal areas of Sierra Leone near 07N12W to 04N24W. The ITCZ continues from 04N24W to 01N32W to 01N40W. Scattered moderate convection is from 2N-9N between 20W-30W. ...DISCUSSION... GULF OF MEXICO... A ridge dominates the Gulf region producing moderate to locally fresh northerly winds. Cold air stratocumulus clouds are noted. Reinforcing cold air will move through the eastern Gulf today. The ridge will maintain moderate to fresh NE to E winds over the Gulf through Tue. Another cold front will cross the Gulf waters Tue night through Wed night. CARIBBEAN SEA... A cold front extends from western Cuba to the Gulf of Honduras followed by fresh to strong northerly winds. The front will push slowly SE, and is forecast to stall from E Cuba to Costa Rica tonight. Fresh to locally strong N winds are expected behind the front through tonight, increasing to 25-30 kt just off the coast of Nicaragua on Sun. Strong winds will pulse near the NW Colombia coast each night. Large swell will affect the waters E of the Lesser Antilles through Tue. ...HISPANIOLA... Isolated to scattered passing showers are expected across the island today under the influence of a ridge. ATLANTIC OCEAN... A cold front extends from 31N79W across southern Florida and western Cuba. Isolated to scattered showers are along the frontal boundary. Reinforcing cold air will push the front a little farther SE to extend from 31N65W to the Windward Passage by Mon evening before the front weakens. Strong high pressure of 1040 mb dominates the remainder of the Atlantic Ocean. This system will shift eastward today. Another cold front crosses between the Madeira and the Canary Islands to near 28N30W where it becomes a weakening stationary front to near 23N55W. The front will continue to dissipate across the forecast waters. For additional information please visit http://www.hurricanes.gov/marine $$ GR