Intensification Criteria for Tropical Depressions of the Western North Atlantic

Abstract

A five-year study for the period 1968?72 evaluated several of the factors which have been generally considered favorable for the development of a tropical depression into a tropical storm or hurricane. The study area considered all depressions in the western North Atlantic south of latitude 35°N and west of longitude 55°W. The individual and cumulative importance of these factors as criteria for assessing the potential for development of a tropical depression into a tropical storm within 24 h is discussed. The results of the study have led to modifications of the criteria for operational use at the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The criteria currently used at NHC are presented together with a brief discussion of plans to obtain objectively a quantitative development potential index for all intensity stages of tropical cyclones.