saluki
(Weather Hobbyist)
Thu Jul 24 2008 11:43 AM
Re: Best breeding grounds for Cat 5?

Quote:

The question I'm asking, is whether or not there are any known definining factors (current, noticeable lack of shear at certain times of the year, etc.) that seems to make these areas more conductive for Category 5 storms?



In the case of the central Gulf, the warm Loop Current probably plays a role. My recollection is that it was a strong contributor to the rapid intensification of Katrina and Rita in 2005 and also helped Wilma strengthen on its way from the Yucatan to South Florida.


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