A Look at the Latest Models and What They Mean for Hurricane Irma

Taking a look once again at the three major global forecast models, we are searching for some kind of trend or agreement. Hurricane Irma is still a considerable amount of distance and time away from the US, if she even decides to make a strike. There are many factors at play in the atmosphere over the Atlantic Ocean, and those factors will help steer Irma. As of right now, early Saturday morning, Irma has taken a bit of a more westward track, which is, honestly, a bit alarming.

The GFS has a close call with the East Coast, and an impact near Southeast Virginia. HOWEVER, this is not likely, since hurricanes don’t typically make a direct impact somewhere without turning first from a lower latitude.

GFS around the 10th:

Next, let’s take a look at the Canadian. This model has Irma making a hit over Bermuda, which would not be good news for them. Then, Irma comes close to the US, but is then kicked out to sea, possibly by an upper-trough. The Southeast US would be spared. The Canadian does sometimes perform a bit better than the American GFS.

This is the Canadian around the 12th:

 

Next, let’s take a look at the almighty Euro. This model is not perfect. It has trended a bit farther west than it’s previous run. This would be a catastrophic hit to the Southeast. Also, the Euro has Irma wreaking havoc with the Bahamas.

 

So, what is the consensus as of now? It would be to take what the “general idea” would be or kind of an average. So, in this case, the consensus would be a landfalling hurricane for the Bahamas, and then a right or northward turn out to sea with a close call withe the East Coast. It’s unfortunate for the Bahamas, but there is hope the East Coast is spared!

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Author: Michael Griffith

I have had a passion for the weather since a very young age and am a degreed meteorologist. I have a Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and a Master's from Plymouth State University. If you ever see me out and about in the Charlotte, NC area, be sure to say hi!