July 12, 2023 Outlook: The Gulf of Mexico is blazing hot as we approach mid-July

One-sentence summary

The majority of the tropical Atlantic will remain fairly quiet, however it appears increasingly possible that a tropical system could form several hundred miles east of Bermuda during the next week.

Happening Now: No worries for most

In the Atlantic this week all eyes are, improbably, on an area of low pressure located about 500 miles to the east-northeast of Bermuda. As Matt pointed out on Tuesday, historically this is a very unlikely place for a tropical system to form in mid-July. But as we’ll discuss a bit more below, this is not a normal year. The seas in the Central Atlantic Ocean are fairly warm for this time of year.

All eyes, for now, are on the Central Atlantic Ocean. (NOAA)

The National Hurricane Center gives this system a 50 percent chance of becoming a tropical depression or storm over the next seven days before it would likely fizzle out, moving further north into waters less favorable for development. Given that this system almost certainly will remain out at sea, it should ultimately be of little concern to to us in terms of impacts. Unless you’re a fish. Or run a shipping company.

The medium range (days 6 to 10): Let’s talk about the Gulf of Mexico

Beyond the system in the Central Atlantic, there’s not much to say in terms of activity. But that’s perfectly normal for mid-July, when there’s often a lull in the tropics. However, I do think the warm water that’s allowing the Central Atlantic system to form offers us a cautionary tale.

If we turn our gaze to the Gulf of Mexico, we see very high sea surface temperatures. If you live anywhere along the coast, from Brownsville, Texas to Miami, Florida, you’ve probably noticed the very warm nights this summer. This is due, in part, to temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico that are running from 1 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. This onshore flow adds to the overall mugginess of the air.

Sea surface temperature anomaly in the Gulf of Mexico. (University of Miami)

This is not a concern now for tropical activity, as wind shear remains fairly robust across the Gulf, inhibiting storm formation. But it will become a significant concern as we get into August and September, when wind shear tends to relax a bit. I’m not making any concrete predictions here, but with sea surface temperatures this warm, if tropical systems do form they will have the potential to become very strong, very quickly.

Fantasyland (beyond day 10): Still quiet

Fortunately, there remains no sign of anything notable in the extended range right now. This is likely to change as we get toward the end of July and into August, but for now things are quiet.

9 thoughts on “July 12, 2023 Outlook: The Gulf of Mexico is blazing hot as we approach mid-July”

  1. As for wind shear, are we right now seeing more wind shear in the basin than normal because of El Nino?

    Maybe the biggest threats to the Gulf this year could be storms that come off the coast and form in the Gulf, like Alicia.

    • The lastest precipitation anomaly maps for Aug-Oct has above normal precipitation for the SE U.S. coast and South Florida. This may suggest Cape Verde storms either recurving out to sea or impacting the Southeast.

      The Western Gulf shows somewhat wetter than average during this time.

      To this layman, it suggests what you’re hinting at. Our death ridge of high pressure would shield us from long track systems but may relax enough for a front porch storm so to speak to sneak in. To be continued….

    • We actually are not. Wind shear has been moderately above normal lately, but nothing I would say indicates El Niño influence is established yet. Typically, we would see that in August and September though, when we are climatologically used to lower shear. So there’s still time.

  2. The Gulf is a cauldron. That heat has to express itself somehow. Aug & Sep will be white knuckling.

    I’m really grateful for the Eyewall. I feel safer that you’re explaining all this stuff, helps me understand what we’re up against, especially with those daunting SSTs out there.

    Thanks, guys 🌺

  4. Any ideas why temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico are running from 1 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit above normal?

    • There’s a multitude of reasons: A persistent dry hot air mass, less wind than usual this late spring/summer, climate change, etc. None is THE sole cause but all play a role.

  5. I did a double take on today’s title- July 12, 2013! It’s definitely intended to be 2023…
    I’m so glad for these 2 websites.
    Thank You to all involved!

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