Quote:
What is causing this degree of intensity. What kinds of conditions are present that would cause this? Also how long could this storm hold this intensity? Did it hit a loop current of warm water? Is it being caused by the conditions out of the Northern plains?
The western Caribbean heat content is very high this time of year and has been virtually untapped since Emily. Wilma is also in an area of very little upper level shear. The development of such a small pinhole eye (could be the smallest on record) also tightens the winds tremendously. The only inhibiting factor is the dry air in the Gulf but Wilma's moisture envelope is so large that that does not seem to be a big factor at this point.
|
Re: Wilma Becomes Category 5 Hurricane