Category Archives: Weather Wisdom

The Other Hurricane Season  

Posted on November 3, 2021 by Fred Pickhardt

Each year there are, on average, about 6 hurricanes in the North Atlantic, 8 in the Eastern North Pacific and 17 Typhoons in the western North Pacific. Few people (outside of Mariners) realize that there is another season of hurricane winds that occurs over both the North Atlantic and the North Pacific Ocean and runs from September to May. These storms do not track through the tropics, but instead are associated with the extratropical cyclones of the mid-latitudes.
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Case Study: Marine Weather Reconstruction, Arabian Sea

Posted on October 17, 2020 by Fred Pickhardt

I was asked to review a marine weather analysis report of conditions in the northern Arabian Sea, east of Socotra Island during July of 2008 that was presented by a weather consulting company on behalf of cargo interests. Continue reading →

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Florida West Coast Hurricanes 

Posted on September 12, 2020 by Fred Pickhardt

September and October are the two months when the Florida West Coast is most at risk of encountering a landfalling hurricane.  Continue reading →

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Gulf of Tehuantepec Gales

Posted on September 9, 2020 by Fred Pickhardt

The onset of winter brings frequent cold outbreaks across the central and eastern US that can often result in sudden gale to storm force winds over the Gulf of Tehuantepec. The northerly winds that funnel through gaps in the Sierra Madre Mountains and spill out over the Gulf of Tehuantepec and out over the eastern North Pacific. Continue reading →

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Tampa Bay Hurricane Storm Surge Scenarios

Posted on May 30, 2020 by Fred Pickhardt

While no storm scenario is a good one for the Tampa Bay area, the worst case is when the hurricane center is located north of the Tampa Bay entrance such that the maximum winds associated with the eye wall occur at the mouth of the bay with storms making landfall farther north result in lower surges. Continue reading →

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What is a Storm Surge?

Posted on May 25, 2020 by Fred Pickhardt

Storm Surge is the abnormal sea level elevations (or depressions) caused by winds and atmospheric pressure. The components are: 1. Coastal set up (down) by the along shore wind stress.  In deep water, the Earth’s rotation causes a water to … Continue reading →

Posted in Meteorology, Ocean Storms, Sea Level Rise, Storm Surge, Weather Wisdom | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Tropical Cyclone Wind Speed probability graphic

Posted on April 22, 2020 by Fred Pickhardt

In addition to the familiar National Hurricane Center’s (NHC) hurricane track forecast with it’s iconic cone, the NHC also produces a wind speed probabilities graphic. Continue reading →

Posted in Meteorology, NOAA Marine Products, Tropical Cyclones, Weather Wisdom | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Hurricane Storm Surges in Tampa Bay

Posted on March 29, 2020 by Fred Pickhardt

The highest storm surges in Tampa Bay are usually associated with hurricanes, with the three highest tides occurring during Cat 3 storms in 1848, 1921 and 1985. Hurricane Elena in late August of 1985 caused the highest storm surge recorded … Continue reading →

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Use of the 500 mb Chart at Sea

Posted on December 10, 2019 by Fred Pickhardt

The 500mb forecast chart is an excellent tool for mariners to estimate where to anticipate the heaviest sea and swell conditions as well as a guide to the expected surface storm tracks and intensities.  The closer the height contours on … Continue reading →

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What is Weather Routing Vs. Vessel Performance Monitoring?

Posted on December 2, 2019 by Fred Pickhardt

Optimum ship routing is the art and science of developing the “best route” for a ship based on the existing weather forecasts, ship characteristics, ocean currents and special cargo requirements. Vessel performance monitoring services allow a ship operator, owner or charterer to get a daily performance analysis regarding a vessel’s speed and fuel consumption based on the charter-party specifications and the actual weather and currents encountered. Continue reading →

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