Author Archives: Fred Pickhardt

About Fred Pickhardt

Fred Pickhardt, Marine Meteorologist I am a marine meteorologist and sailed briefly with American Export Lines in the Far East trade. I have extensive experience in marine weather analysis, marine weather forecasting, optimum ship routing, vessel performance evaluations and forensic marine weather event reconstructions. I founded Ocean Weather Services and as Owner and Chief Consultant currently provide optimum ship routing services and forensic marine weather reports to the maritime industry.

Tale of Two Hemispheres

Posted on August 10, 2019 by Fred Pickhardt

Interesting split in SST temperatures for the Northern Hemisphere vs. the Southern Hemisphere.  The Northern Hemisphere SST anomaly is predominately warmer than normal while the Southern Hemisphere appears to be mostly cooler than normal. NOAA Global SST Anomaly https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/data/sst/anomaly/2019/anomnight.8.8.2019.gif   … Continue reading →

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Two Typhoons currently active over Western North Pacific

Posted on August 7, 2019 by Fred Pickhardt

Typhoon  Lekima, located about 275 nm SSW of Kaldena AB was moving NW at 7 knots with max winds to 110 knots  and significant wave heights to 39 feet.  Conditions favor some additional strengthening and Lekima could reach max winds … Continue reading →

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Reduced Risk for Atlantic Tropical Development through mid August

Posted on August 5, 2019 by Fred Pickhardt

The Azores-Bermuda high pressure ridge will be displaced southward of it’s normal position over the next 5-6 days resulting in higher than normal pressures over the main hurricane development area and the Caribbean reducing the risk for tropical cyclone development … Continue reading →

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TS Lekima forms over western North Pacific

Posted on August 4, 2019 by Fred Pickhardt

TS Lekima has formed over the western North Pacific and currently is located about 479 NM SSE of Kadena AB in Japan and was moving NNW at 6 knots. Max winds are about 35 knots with a max significant wave … Continue reading →

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What is the greenhouse effect?

Posted on January 29, 2019 by Fred Pickhardt

What is meant by the greenhouse effect? What is the greenhouse effect and how does it affect our climate? The sun is the primary source of energy here on the earth.  Heat generated from the earth’s interior (geothermal heat) is … Continue reading →

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Hurricane Force Storm over North Pacific producing 17 meter waves

Posted on January 10, 2019 by Fred Pickhardt

An intense 937 mb storm over the west-central North Pacific is producing winds of 60-75 knots and significant wave heights to 17 meters (about 56 feet) within 90 to 240 nm southwest of the center and within 120 nm northeast … Continue reading →

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What’s the weather like cruising the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico during February?

Posted on January 9, 2019 by Fred Pickhardt

If you are planning a cruise or will be sailing during the month of February check out what weather to expect in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.    Wind Over the Caribbean during February winds tend to be … Continue reading →

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What does a “Gale Warning” mean?

Posted on October 29, 2018 by Fred Pickhardt

The National Weather Service has developed a multi-tier concept for forecasting hazardous weather which includes outlooks, watches, warnings and advisories.  Below are the visual day flag and nighttime light signals that warn of rough weather.  NOAA discontinued using the flags in … Continue reading →

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Major Hurricane Florence Update

Posted on September 10, 2018 by Fred Pickhardt

Major Hurricane Florence currently with max winds about 120 knots was moving west at 11 knots.  A building ridge to the north is forecast to steer Florence WNW then NW during the next 48-72 hours with an increase in forward … Continue reading →

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Hurricane Florence now Cat 4

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Fred Pickhardt

  Major Hurricane Florence continues to develop with max winds now at 115 knots (Cat 4). Florence is moving in an area where wind shear is forecast to increase during the next 48 hours so Florence is expected to weaken … Continue reading →

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