Tropical Storm Don to bring much needed moisture to southern Texas
Tropical storm Don has crossed the Yucatan Peninsula overnight Wednesday and is now showing signs of growth over the open waters of the Gulf (see image below). Don will head over 30+°C SSTs on Thursday and should continue to flare-up with limited vertical wind shear. One limiting factor to Don’s growth is the lack of atmospheric moisture in his path. Dry, continental air will continue to be entrained into Don’s western flank. This will minimize his strength and could keep him lopsided (most of the growth in his eastern flank). As Don takes a westward path early Thursday, this entrainment of dry air should be obvious on the satellite imagery. As of Thursday morning, however, Don is looking good with potential to become hurricane status (although the NHC is not forecasting him to become one). Don should make landfall near Corpus Christi late Friday night.
Outlook: Highs near 80°F for Irvine on Thursday as the warming trend begins. Heat will increase in the west through the weekend.
Long-term Outlook: The heat will once again be kicked off to the east after August 2nd as troughing continues along the west coast. Bad news for areas east of the continental divide, however.
