000 AXNT20 KNHC 182330 TWDAT Tropical Weather Discussion NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL 2330 UTC Sat Apr 18 2020 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 2330 UTC. ...MONSOON TROUGH/ITCZ... The monsoon trough extends from 08.5N13W, to 00N25W. The ITCZ continues from 00N25W to 01S45W. Scattered moderate convection is noted within 210 nm south of the monsoon trough. GULF OF MEXICO... A cold front extends from SE Louisiana to Southern Texas. A mix of mid and high-level clouds continue to stream across the area near the front. In the eastern Gulf, a surface trough extends from N Florida to 27.5N87W. Light to gentle winds prevail across the Gulf waters. eas are in the 3-5 ft range over the SW Gulf, 2-3 ft over the NW Gulf, and 1-2 ft over the eastern Gulf. The cold front will move east of the area tonight. A second cold front is expected to reach the NW Gulf Sun night and extend from the Florida Big Bend to near 25N90W by Mon afternoon. Fresh to strong southerly winds are expected ahead of the front starting Sun morning. Otherwise, smoke from agricultural fires in southern Mexico and Honduras could reduce visibility, mainly in the SW Gulf. CARIBBEAN SEA... Moderate to fresh winds prevail across the south central Caribbean. Gentle to moderate winds prevail elsewhere except the NW Caribbean where light to gentle winds prevail. Seas are in the 6-8 ft range over the south central Caribbean, 1-3 ft over the NW Caribbean, and 3-5 ft elsewhere. Dry air continues across the basin limiting shower activity. High pressure north of the area will maintain fresh to strong winds in the south-central Caribbean and the Gulf of Honduras through Wed. Mainly moderate to fresh winds are expected elsewhere during the entire period. Otherwise, smoke from agricultural fires in Central America could reduce visibility near the Yucatan Peninsula and offshore of Belize and Honduras. ATLANTIC OCEAN... A cold front extends from 31N38W to 27N49W, then transitions to a stationary front to 25N60W. Scattered moderate showers are noted E of Florida to the N of the Bahamas. A surface trough extends from 24N53W to 15N56W with a few showers noted in the vicinity of the trough. A second trough is in the eastern Atlantic extending from 29N27W to 22N21W. Fresh to strong SW winds prevail off Northern Florida. Moderate to fresh tradewinds are noted S of 15N. Gentle to moderate winds prevail elsewhere. Over the open waters, seas are in the 6-8 ft range S of 20N, and 4-7 ft elsewhere. Seas are in the 1-2 ft range W of the Bahamas. A cold front will move across the northern waters this evening and Sun, and move E of the area Sun evening. Fresh to strong winds are expected ahead and behind the front through Sun morning. Another cold front will move into the northern waters late Mon afternoon. Fresh to near gale force winds are expected ahead of this front beginning Sun night and continuing through Tue. $$ AL/MMT