Hawaii’s Tropical Troubles

Hawaii is still in the path of oncoming Hurricane Iselle, and potentially thereafter, Tropical Storm Julio. Regardless, Iselle is expected to weaken, mostly as Hawaii is surrounded by sea surface temperatures, (SSTs), less than that favors typical tropical storm or hurricane strengthening. Ryan Maue posted a great graphic of this earlier today:

Of the 3-storms Iselle, Julio & Genevieve, the latter has best SST ahead, plenty warm for major hurricane/typhoon pic.twitter.com/ixyJexywu3

— Ryan Maue (@RyanMaue) August 5, 2014

Despite the fact that these storms threatening Hawaii shouldn’t be major storms, it has been a very active season thus far.

How active is the #Pacific #hurricane season? Check today's image from NOAA's GOES West #satellite. pic.twitter.com/GbgSqnJQyP

— NOAA (@NOAA) August 5, 2014

NWS Honolulu and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center will continue to monitor Hurricane Iselle as it approaches the islands.

Hurricane #Iselle continues to weaken as it moves WNW 13 mph. Tropical Storm Watch in effect for the Big Island. pic.twitter.com/PMXaPZIwwu

— NWSHonolulu (@NWSHonolulu) August 6, 2014

For now, Iselle continues to lose strength after, at one point, being a well organized Cat. 4 hurricane. Julio is expected to become a Cat. 1 storm sometime Wednesday, which is understandable as it is in still relatively warm waters.

But, nevertheless, Hawaii’s tropical troubles are no big thing as long as folks are prepared and heed safety precautions when necessary. Latest guidance suggests Julio may pass to the north, which would be a big help to the island folks. Not that I would want to vacation there right now though…