Strong Thunderstorms In Potential Tropical Cyclone Near Hong Kong

May 27 at 1:35 a.m. EDT shows System 93W as a comma-like area of showers and thunderstorms. There are two areas of strong thunderstorms with very high, cold cloud tops (purple) east of the center of circulation.

The low pressure area is located near 20.4 North and 115.3 East, about 130 nautical miles southeast of Hong Kong. NASA’s Aqua satellite flew over System 93W and the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument onboard captured an infrared image of it on May 27 at 1:35 a.m. EDT (05:35 UTC). The AIRS image showed System 93W as a comma-like area of showers and thunderstorms. AIRS infrared imagery indicated there were two areas of strong thunderstorms with very high, cold cloud tops east of the center of circulation.

Winds in the area of the center of circulation were estimated to be 15 to 20 knots (17-23 mph). Recent satellite microwave imagery showed improved convective banding with a partially exposed low level circulation center (llcc) to the northeast of the deep convection. Minimum sea level pressure is estimated near 1006 millibars.

Forecasters at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center are giving this system a good chance for development in the next 24 hours.

Eyes Low in Eastern Pacific for Tropical Development

May 27 at 1:35 a.m. EDT showed System 90E with four areas of strong thunderstorms with very high, cold cloud tops (purple) around the center of circulation.

System 90E developing the trademark tropical cyclone approximately 205 nautical miles south of Salina Cruz, Mexico near 12.8 North and 94.5 West. AIRS infrared imagery indicated there were four areas of strong thunderstorms with very high, cold cloud tops around the center of circulation. Infrared satellite imagery indicates a slowly consolidating, broad low-level circulation center.

Winds in the area are estimated to be 20 to 25 knots (23-28 mph). System 90E is trudging west at 1 mph. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center noted that System 90E “is expected to continue consolidating over the next 24-36 hours. The potential for the development of a significant tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours is good.”