Sep. 24, 2020 – Post-Tropical Storm Teddy in NASA Newfoundland Nighttime View
NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite provided an infrared image of Post-tropical cyclone Teddy over the province of Newfoundland, Canada in the early morning hours of Sept. 24.
NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite provided a nighttime view of Post-Tropical Cyclone Teddy over Newfoundland, Canada at 1:40 a.m. EDT (0540 UTC) on Sept. 24. The nighttime lights of Newfoundland can be seen somewhat through Teddy’s clouds, and the nighttime lights of Nova Scotia were visible, revealing the Teddy had moved past the province. Credit: NASA Worldview, Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS)
Teddy’s Last Advisory
At 11 p.m. EDT on Sept. 23 (0300 UTC on Sept. 24), NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued the final advisory on Post-Tropical Cyclone Teddy. At that time, the center of Post-Tropical Cyclone Teddy was located near latitude 51.0 degrees north and longitude 57.3 degrees west based on the Marble Mountain, Newfoundland, radar and surface observations along the west coast of Newfoundland. The post-tropical cyclone was moving toward the north-northeast near 32 mph (52 kph), and this general motion is expected to continue through Thursday. Maximum sustained winds were near 50 mph (85 kph) with higher gusts. The estimated minimum central pressure is 975 millibars.
The center of Teddy moved closer to the northwestern Newfoundland coast overnight.
NASA’s Night-Time View
The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument aboard Suomi NPP provided a nighttime image of Post-Tropical Storm Teddy over Newfoundland, Canada. The image was taken at 1:40 a.m. EDT (0540 UTC) on Sept. 24. The nighttime lights of Newfoundland can be seen somewhat through Teddy’s clouds, and the nighttime lights of Nova Scotia were visible, revealing that Teddy had moved past the province.
The image was created using the NASA Worldview application at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.
Teddy’s Final Fate
On the forecast track, Teddy is expected to move into the Labrador Sea today, Sept. 24 before merging with a larger extratropical low-pressure area.
About NASA’s EOSDIS Worldview
NASA’s Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Worldview application provides the capability to interactively browse over 700 global, full-resolution satellite imagery layers and then download the underlying data. Many of the available imagery layers are updated within three hours of observation, essentially showing the entire Earth as it looks “right now.”
NASA Researches Earth from Space
For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.
Sep. 23, 2020 – NASA Sees Post-Tropical Storm Teddy Generating Heavy Rain Over Eastern Canada
Hurricane Teddy has transitioned to a large post-tropical cyclone over eastern Canada. Using a NASA satellite rainfall product that incorporates data from satellites and observations, NASA estimated Teddy’s rainfall rates. In addition to the heavy rainfall, Teddy causing destructive waves and strong winds today, Sept. 23, for portions of Atlantic Canada.
Teddy made landfall in the Sheet Harbour area of Nova Scotia on the province’s Eastern Shore around 7:30 a.m. EDT, Sept. 23.
Warnings and Watches in Effect on Sept. 23
NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued warnings and watches for Teddy on Sept. 23. Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the south coast of Nova Scotia from Digby to Meat Cove, and for Port aux Basques to Francois, Newfoundland, Canada.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Meat Cove to Tidnish, Nova Scotia, and from north of Digby to Fort Lawrence, Nova Scotia, and for the Magdalen Islands, Quebec and Prince Edward Island.
On Sept. 22 at 1:53 a.m. EDT (0553UTC) NASA’s Aqua satellite analyzed Teddy using the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder or AIRS instrument. AIRS found coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as or colder than (purple) minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 53 degrees Celsius) north of the center. That’s where the heaviest rainmaking storms were located. Credit: NASA JPL/Heidar Thrastarson
What is a Post-tropical and Extra-tropical Cyclone?
At 11 p.m. EDT on Sept. 22, U.S. Navy Hurricane Specialist Dave Roberts at the NHC said, “Extratropical transition has been ongoing since last night, with the cyclone’s associated rain shield expanding over a great distance in the northern semicircle. In addition, multiple dropsonde observations from the Air Force Reserve hurricane hunters and buoy data show a sharp temperature gradient of nearly 20 degrees F from northwest quadrant to the southeast, indicative of the cyclone’s involvement with the strong baroclinic frontal zone. Accordingly, Teddy has become a strong post-tropical extratropical cyclone.”
NHC defines a post-tropical cyclone as a former tropical cyclone. This generic term describes a cyclone that no longer possesses sufficient tropical characteristics to be considered a tropical cyclone. Post-tropical cyclones can continue carrying heavy rains and high winds. Former tropical cyclones that have become fully extratropical or remnant lows are both classes of post-tropical cyclones.
What does Extra-tropical Mean?
When a storm becomes extra-tropical it means that a tropical cyclone has lost its “tropical” characteristics. The National Hurricane Center defines “extra-tropical” as a transition that implies both poleward displacement (meaning it moves toward the north or south pole) of the cyclone and the conversion of the cyclone’s primary energy source from the release of latent heat of condensation to baroclinic (the temperature contrast between warm and cold air masses) processes. It is important to note that cyclones can become extratropical and still retain winds of hurricane or tropical storm force.
Teddy’s Status on Sept. 23
At 8 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC), the center of Post-Tropical Cyclone Teddy was located near latitude 44.8 degrees north and longitude 62.3 degrees west. That is 65 miles (105 km) east-northeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The post-tropical cyclone is moving toward the north-northeast near 23 mph (37 kph), and this motion, with an increase in forward speed, is expected for the next day or so. On the forecast track, the center will move over eastern Nova Scotia soon, and then near or over Newfoundland by tonight, and be east of Labrador on Thursday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph (100 km/h) with higher, gusts. Some weakening is forecast during the next day or so, but Teddy should remain a strong post-tropical cyclone while passing over Nova Scotia and near Newfoundland. Teddy is a huge storm. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 520 miles (835 km) from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 963 millibars.
Estimating Teddy’s Rainfall Rates from Space
NASA’s Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM or IMERG, which is a NASA satellite rainfall product, estimated on Sept. 23 at 3:30 a.m. EDT (0730 UTC) that Teddy was generating between 5 and 15 mm (0.20 and 0.60 inches) of rain per hour around the center of circulation. Rainfall throughout most of the storm was estimated as falling at a rate between 0.3 and 2 mm (0.01 to 0.08 inches) per hour.
NASA’s IMERG rainfall product estimated on Sept. 23 at 3:30 a.m. EDT (0730 UTC) that Teddy was generating between 5 and 15 mm (0.20 and 0.60 inches) of rain per hour around the center of circulation. Rainfall throughout most of the storm was estimated as falling at a rate between 0.3 and 2 mm (0.01 to 0.08 inches) per hour. The rainfall data was overlaid on infrared imagery from NOAA’s GOES-16 satellite. Credit: NASA/NOAA/NRL
At the U.S. Naval Laboratory in Washington, D.C., the IMERG rainfall data was overlaid on infrared imagery from NOAA’s GOES-16 satellite to provide a full extent of the storm.
NHC Key Messages
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued three key messages about Teddy on Sept. 23:
Teddy is expected remain a powerful post-tropical cyclone while it moves near or over portions of Atlantic Canada through tonight. The most significant hazard expected from Teddy is large destructive waves forecast along the southern coast of Nova Scotia today.
Very large swells produced by Teddy are expected to affect portions of Bermuda, the Leeward Islands, the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, the east coast of the United States, and Atlantic Canada during the next few days. These swells are expected to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings are in effect for portions of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island and the Magdalen Islands, and heavy rainfall across Atlantic Canada is expected through Thursday.
Teddy’s Fate in the Atlantic
NHC Senior Hurricane Specialist Richard Pasch said, “Teddy’s deep convection has been diminishing, but based on buoy observations the cyclone still has a strong circulation with a central pressure in the 950’s (millibars). Assuming a gradual spin down of the system since the earlier aircraft observations, the estimated maximum winds have dropped to just below hurricane strength. The system is expected to traverse Nova Scotia today as a strong extratropical cyclone, and move near Newfoundland by tonight. After passing east of Labrador on Thursday, the global models show Teddy merging with another large extratropical low over the north Atlantic.”
What Does IMERG Do?
This near-real time rainfall estimate comes from the NASA’s IMERG, which combines observations from a fleet of satellites, in near-real time, to provide near-global estimates of precipitation every 30 minutes. By combining NASA precipitation estimates with other data sources, we can gain a greater understanding of major storms that affect our planet.
What the IMERG does is “morph” high-quality satellite observations along the direction of the steering winds to deliver information about rain at times and places where such satellite overflights did not occur. Information morphing is particularly important over the majority of the world’s surface that lacks ground-radar coverage. Basically, IMERG fills in the blanks between weather observation stations.
NASA Researches Tropical Cyclones
Hurricanes/tropical cyclones are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA’s expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting.
For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.
Sep. 22, 2020 – NASA Sees Hurricane Teddy Threaten Eastern Canada
NASA’s Aqua satellite used infrared light to identify strongest storms and coldest cloud top temperatures in Hurricane Teddy as it nears eastern Canada. Teddy has triggered multiple warnings and watches.
On Sept. 22 at 1:55 a.m. EDT (0555 UTC), the MODIS instrument aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite gathered temperature information about Teddy’s cloud tops. MODIS found the most powerful thunderstorms (red) were in a very small area near the center where temperatures were as cold as or colder than minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 56.6 Celsius). Most of the rest of the storm had cloud top temperatures as cold as or colder than minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 53 degrees Celsius). Credit: NASA/NRL
Warnings and Watches on Sept. 22
NOAA’s National Hurricane Center noted that a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the south coast of Nova Scotia from Digby to Meat Cove, Canada.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Meat Cove to Tidnish, Nova Scotia, from north of Digby to Fort Lawrence, Nova Scotia. A Watch is also in effect for the Magdalen Islands, Quebec, for Port aux Basques to Francois, Newfoundland and for Prince Edward Island.
Infrared Data Reveals Powerful Storms
On Sept. 22 at 1:55 a.m. EDT (0555 UTC), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite gathered temperature information about Teddy’s cloud tops. MODIS found the most powerful thunderstorms were in a very small area near the center where temperatures were as cold as or colder than minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 56.6 Celsius). Most of the rest of the storm had cloud top temperatures as cold as or colder than minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 53 degrees Celsius). Cloud top temperatures that cold indicate strong storms with the potential to generate heavy rainfall.
Recent satellite imagery shows that the central convection is diminishing, with a comma-like cloud pattern developing.
Teddy’ Status on Sept. 22
At 8 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC) on Sept. 22, the center of Hurricane Teddy was located near latitude 39.3 degrees north and longitude 63.5 degrees west. That is about 365 miles (590 km) south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Teddy is moving toward the north-northwest near 28 mph (44 kph), and a turn toward the north-northeast is expected by early Wednesday. Maximum sustained winds are near 105 mph (165 kph) with higher gusts. Teddy is a large hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 400 miles (645 km). The estimated minimum central pressure is 950 millibars.
Teddy’s Forecast
On the forecast track, the center will move over eastern Nova Scotia on Wednesday, Sept. 23 and then near or over Newfoundland by Wednesday night. Although some weakening is likely later today and Wednesday, Teddy should be a strong post-tropical cyclone when it moves near and over Nova Scotia.
NHC Key Messages
The National Hurricane Center’s key messages are:
WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in the warning area by this afternoon. Tropical storm conditions could begin in the watch areas late today or early Wednesday.
SURF: Large swells generated by Teddy are affecting Bermuda, the Lesser Antilles, the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, the east coast of the United States, and Atlantic Canada. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
RAINFALL: Through Thursday, Teddy is expected to produce rainfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches (50 to 100 mm) with isolated totals of 6 inches (150 mm) across sections of Atlantic Canada.
STORM SURGE: A dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding near and to the east of where the center makes landfall in Nova Scotia. Near the coast, the surge will be accompanied by very large and destructive waves.
NASA Researches Tropical Cyclones
Hurricanes/tropical cyclones are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA’s expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting.
For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.
Sep. 21, 2020 – NASA Analyzes Soaking Capabilities of Hurricane Teddy on Bermuda Approach
Using a NASA satellite rainfall product that incorporates data from satellites and observations, NASA estimated Hurricane Teddy’s rainfall rates as it approaches Bermuda on Sept. 21. Teddy is a large hurricane and growing. It is also churning up seas all the way to the U.S. and Canadian coastlines.
On Sept. 21 at 6:30 a.m. EDT (1030 UTC), NASA’s IMERG estimated Hurricane Teddy was generating as much as 30 mm/1.18 inches of rain (dark pink) around the center of circulation. Rainfall throughout most of the rest of the storm was occurring between 5 and 15 mm (0.2 to 0.6 inches/yellow and green colors) per hour. The rainfall data was overlaid on infrared imagery from NOAA’s GOES-16 satellite. Credit: NASA/NOAA/NRL
Watches and Warnings on Sept. 21
NOAA’s National Hurricane Center posted a Tropical Storm Warning for Bermuda and a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Lower East Pubnico to Main-a-Dieu, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Teddy’s Status on Sept. 21
At 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC), the center of Hurricane Teddy was located near latitude 31.1 degrees north and longitude 62.7 degrees west. That is about 150 miles (240 km) east-southeast of Bermuda and about 935 miles (1,500 km) south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Teddy was moving toward the north-northeast near 14 mph (22 kph), and this motion is expected to continue today, followed by a turn toward the north overnight and north-northwest on Tuesday. Maximum sustained winds were near 90 mph (150 kph) with higher gusts. Teddy is a large hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles (130 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 230 miles (370 km).
An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft recently reported a minimum central pressure of 960 millibars.
Estimating Teddy’s Rainfall Rates from Space
NASA’s Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM or IMERG, which is a NASA satellite rainfall product, estimated on Sept. 21 at 6:30 a.m. EDT (1030 UTC), Teddy was generating as much as 30 mm (1.18 inches) of rain per hour around the center of circulation.
Rainfall throughout most of the storm was estimated as falling at a rate between 5 and 15 mm (0.2 to 0.6 inches) per hour. At the U.S. Naval Laboratory in Washington, D.C., the IMERG rainfall data was overlaid on infrared imagery from NOAA’s GOES-16 satellite to provide a full extent of the storm.
As Teddy moves north, that heavy rainfall is expected across Atlantic Canada between Tuesday and Thursday.
What Does IMERG Do?
This near-real time rainfall estimate comes from the NASA’s IMERG, which combines observations from a fleet of satellites, in near-real time, to provide near-global estimates of precipitation every 30 minutes. By combining NASA precipitation estimates with other data sources, we can gain a greater understanding of major storms that affect our planet.
What the IMERG does is “morph” high-quality satellite observations along the direction of the steering winds to deliver information about rain at times and places where such satellite overflights did not occur. Information morphing is particularly important over the majority of the world’s surface that lacks ground-radar coverage. Basically, IMERG fills in the blanks between weather observation stations
NHC Key Messages
The National Hurricane Center issued three key messages as Hurricane Teddy approaches Bermuda and grows in size:
The center of Teddy is forecast to move east of Bermuda today. Wind gusts of tropical-storm-force have been reported on the island, and tropical storm conditions could continue today.
Teddy is expected to transition to a powerful post-tropical cyclone as it moves near or over portions of Atlantic Canada late Tuesday through Thursday, where there is an increasing risk of direct impacts from wind, rain, and storm surge. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for portions of Nova Scotia, and heavy rainfall across Atlantic Canada is expected with Teddy between Tuesday and Thursday after it becomes a strong post-tropical cyclone.
Large swells produced by Teddy are expected to affect portions of Bermuda, the Leeward Islands, the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, the east coast of the United States, and Atlantic Canada during the next few days. These swells will likely cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Teddy’s Forecast
“Teddy’s size will likely increase substantially during the next couple of days as it moves northward and interacts with a frontal system,” said Eric Blake, a senior hurricane specialist at NOAA’s National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida. “Gale force winds are likely along portions of the near shore waters of the northeast U.S.”
NHC forecasters said Teddy should turn to the north-northeast as it approaches Nova Scotia on Wednesday. Teddy is expected to gain strength overnight, but weaken steadily by Wednesday and become a strong post-tropical cyclone.
NASA Researches Tropical Cyclones
Hurricanes/tropical cyclones are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA’s expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting.
For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.
Using a NASA satellite rainfall product that incorporates data from satellites and observations, NASA estimated Hurricane Teddy’s rainfall rates. Teddy is a major hurricane in the Central North Atlantic Ocean.
On Sept. 18 at 8 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC), NASA’s IMERG estimated Hurricane Teddy was generating as much as (30 mm/1.18 inches of rain (dark pink) on the western side of its eye. Rainfall throughout most of the storm was occurring between 5 and 15 mm (0.2 to 0.6 inches/yellow and green colors) per hour. The rainfall data was overlaid on infrared imagery from NOAA’s GOES-16 satellite. Credit: NASA/NOAA/NRL
On Sept. 18, NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned that Teddy remains a powerful hurricane over the Central Atlantic Ocean, and large ocean swells are forecast to spread across much of the western Atlantic increasing a rip current threat.
Hurricane Teddy’s Status on Sept. 18
At 5 a.m. EDT (0900 UTC), the center of Hurricane Teddy was located near latitude 21.6 degrees north and longitude 55.4 degrees west. That is about 550 miles (890 km) east-northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands, and about 935 miles (1,510 km) southeast of Bermuda.
Teddy is moving toward the northwest near 12 mph (19 kph) and this general motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days, followed by a turn to the north by early next week. Maximum sustained winds are near 130 mph (215 kph) with higher gusts. Teddy is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some fluctuations in strength are expected during the next day or so. The estimated minimum central pressure is 947 millibars.
Estimating Teddy’s Rainfall Rates from Space
NASA’s Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM or IMERG, which is a NASA satellite rainfall product, estimated on Sept. 18 at 8 a.m. EDT (1200 UTC), Hurricane Teddy was generating as much as 30 mm (1.18 inches) of rain per hour on the western side of its eye. That was the area of where the heaviest rainfall was occurring.
Rainfall throughout most of the rest of the storm was estimated as falling at a rate between 5 and 15 mm (0.2 to 0.6 inches) per hour. At the U.S. Naval Laboratory in Washington, D.C., the IMERG rainfall data was overlaid on infrared imagery from NOAA’s GOES-16 satellite to provide a full extent of the storm.
“Teddy remains a powerful category 4 hurricane with a well-defined eye and intense eyewall,” said John Cangialosi Senior Hurricane Specialist at NHC in Miami, Fla. “There have been occasional dry slots that have eroded some of the convection in the eyewall and rain bands, but these seem to be transient.”
What Does IMERG Do?
This near-real time rainfall estimate comes from the NASA’s IMERG, which combines observations from a fleet of satellites, in near-real time, to provide near-global estimates of precipitation every 30 minutes. By combining NASA precipitation estimates with other data sources, we can gain a greater understanding of major storms that affect our planet.
Instead, what the IMERG does is “morph” high-quality satellite observations along the direction of the steering winds to deliver information about rain at times and places where such satellite overflights did not occur. Information morphing is particularly important over the majority of the world’s surface that lacks ground-radar coverage. Basically, IMERG fills in the blanks between weather observation stations.
NHC Key Messages for Teddy
The NHC issued key messages for Teddy, including about its forecast track and the ocean swells it is generating.
NHC said Teddy is expected to approach Bermuda as a hurricane this weekend and make its closest approach to the island late Sunday or Monday (Sept. 20 or 21). While the exact details of Teddy’s track and intensity near the island are not yet known, the risk of strong winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall on Bermuda is increasing.
Large swells produced by Teddy are expected to affect portions of the Leeward Islands, the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the southeastern United States during the next few days. These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
NASA Researches Tropical Cyclones
Hurricanes/tropical cyclones are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA’s expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting.
For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contribues directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.
Sep. 17, 2020 – NASA-NOAA Satellite Catches Nighttime View of Major Hurricane Teddy
An early morning infrared image of Hurricane Teddy taken from NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite shows the proximity of the strengthening hurricane to the Lesser Antilles island chain and Puerto Rico. Teddy is a major hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite passed the North Atlantic Ocean overnight on Sept. 17 at 12:40 a.m. EDT (0440 UTC) and captured a nighttime image of Hurricane Teddy. Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles can be seen lit up to the west (left).Credit: NASA Worldview, Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS)
NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite passed the North Atlantic Ocean overnight on Sept. 17 at 12:40 a.m. EDT (0440 UTC). The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument aboard Suomi NPP provided a nighttime image of Hurricane Teddy. Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles can be seen lit up by night lights to the west in the image. The Lesser Antilles a group of islands that frame the eastern side of the Caribbean Sea.
The image was created using the NASA Worldview application at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.
By 11 a.m. EDT infrared imagery revealed Teddy’s satellite appearance had steadily developed. There is now a ragged warming eye surrounded by a ring of convection with cloud tops colder than minus 76 degrees Fahrenheit/minus 60 degrees Celsius.
Teddy’s Status on Sept. 17
At 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC), National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the center of Hurricane Teddy was located near latitude 19.3 degrees north and longitude 53.0 degrees west. Teddy was about 610 miles (980 km) east-northeast of the Lesser Antilles.
Teddy is moving toward the northwest near 12 mph (19 kph) and this motion is expected to continue for the next few days. Maximum sustained winds were near 120 mph (195 kph) with higher gusts. Teddy is a category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The estimated minimum central pressure is 957 millibars.
Teddy’s Forecast
Some additional strengthening is possible through tonight as Teddy moves northwest. A slow weakening trend is expected to begin over the weekend.
About NASA’s EOSDIS Worldview
NASA’s Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Worldview application provides the capability to interactively browse over 700 global, full-resolution satellite imagery layers and then download the underlying data. Many of the available imagery layers are updated within three hours of observation, essentially showing the entire Earth as it looks “right now.”
NASA Researches Earth from Space
For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.
Sep. 16, 2020 – NASA Finds Coldest Cloud Tops on Hurricane Teddy’s Western Side
NASA analyzed the cloud top temperatures in Hurricane Teddy using infrared light to determine the strength of the storm. Infrared imagery revealed that the strongest storms were on Teddy’s western side.
On Sept. 16 at 12:53 a.m. EDT (0453 UTC) NASA’s Aqua satellite analyzed Hurricane Teddy’s cloud top temperatures using the AIRS instrument. AIRS showed the strongest storms with the coldest cloud top temperatures were as cold as or colder than 210 Kelvin (purple) minus 81 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 63.1 degrees Celsius). Credit: NASA JPL/Heidar Thrastarson
An Infrared View of Teddy
One of the ways NASA researches tropical cyclones is using infrared data that provides temperature information. Cloud top temperatures identify where the strongest storms are located. The stronger the storms, the higher they extend into the troposphere, and the colder the cloud top temperatures.
On Sept. 16 at 12:53 a.m. EDT (0453 UTC) NASA’s Aqua satellite analyzed the storm using the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder or AIRS instrument. The AIRS imagery showed the strongest storms west of Teddy’s center of circulation. AIRS found coldest cloud top temperatures as cold as or colder 210 Kelvin minus 81 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 63.1 degrees Celsius). NASA research has shown that cloud top temperatures that cold indicate strong storms that have the capability to create heavy rain. The eye was barely visible in the infrared imagery.
NASA then provides data to tropical cyclone meteorologists so they can incorporate it in their forecasts.
Over 10 hours later at 11 a.m. EDT on Sept. 16, Andrew Latto, Hurricane Specialist at NOAA’s National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla, noted, “Teddy’s overall appearance has changed little over the past several hours. Microwave and infrared satellite images depict a well-defined inner core with an eye evident in the microwave imagery. However, visible imagery reveals that the eye remains cloud filled. Over the past few hours, the coldest cloud tops and have become confined to the western portion of the circulation, which could be the early signs of the cyclone experiencing some westerly wind shear.”
Teddy’s Status on Sept. 16
At 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC), the center of Hurricane Teddy was located near latitude 16.5 degrees north and longitude 49.7 degrees west. Teddy was centered about 775 miles (1,245 km) east of the Lesser Antilles. Teddy was moving toward the northwest near 12 mph (19 kph) and this general motion is forecast to continue for the next few days. Maximum sustained winds are near 100 mph (155 kph) with higher gusts. The estimated minimum central pressure is 978 millibars.
Teddy’s Forecast
Additional strengthening is expected over the next couple of days, and Teddy could become a major hurricane by late tonight, Sept. 16.
In addition, large swells generated by Teddy are expected to reach the Lesser Antilles and the northeastern coast of South America today and should spread westward to the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, and Bermuda by Friday, Sept. 18. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
NASA Researches Earth from Space
For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.
Sep. 15, 2020 – NASA Satellite Imagery Shows Teddy Consolidating
When a tropical cyclone consolidates, it means that it is getting more organized and its circulation is improving. An improved circulation helps make for a stronger storm. Infrared imagery from NASA’s Aqua satellite showed that Teddy was consolidating in the Central North Atlantic Ocean.
On Sept. 15 at 12:15 a.m. EDT (0415 UTC), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite gathered temperature information about Teddy’s cloud tops. Some cloud top temperatures were as cold as or colder than minus 70 degrees (red) Fahrenheit (minus 56.6 Celsius) and building thunderstorms around the storm’s core. Credit: NASA/NRL
Infrared Data Reveals Teddy is organizing
On Sept. 15 at 12:15 a.m. EDT (0415 UTC), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite gathered temperature information about Teddy’s cloud tops. Infrared data provides temperature information, and the strongest thunderstorms that reach high into the atmosphere have the coldest cloud top temperatures.
MODIS found some cloud top temperatures were as cold as or colder than minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 56.6 Celsius). Cloud top temperatures that cold indicate strong storms with the potential to generate heavy rainfall. The infrared data showed that Teddy’s structure is slowly improving. The infrared imagery and visible imagery revealed that the building of thunderstorms around the storm’s core has increased, despite the continued presence of dry slots.
Teddy’s Status on Sept. 15
At 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Teddy was located near latitude 14.0 degrees north and longitude 47.0 degrees west. Teddy is located about 960 miles (1,545 km) east of the Lesser Antilles. Teddy is moving toward the west-northwest near 13 mph (20 kph). A steady northwest motion at 10 to 15 mph is expected through the end of the week.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 65 mph (100 kph) with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is forecast for the next several days. Teddy will likely become a hurricane later today or tonight and could reach major hurricane strength in a few days. The estimated minimum central pressure is 999 millibars.
Teddy’s Forecast
“Teddy’s low [wind] shear and warm sea surface temperature environment should be conducive for further strengthening, and the NHC intensity forecast is largely unchanged,” noted David Zelinsky, Hurricane Model Diagnostician and Meteorologist at the NHC. “Some dry air in the environment could restrict Teddy’s intensification rate, but is not expected to prevent Teddy from becoming a hurricane later today or tonight. Continued strengthening is expected thereafter and Teddy is forecast to become a major hurricane within the next few days.”
NASA Researches Tropical Cyclones
Hurricanes/tropical cyclones are the most powerful weather events on Earth. NASA’s expertise in space and scientific exploration contributes to essential services provided to the American people by other federal agencies, such as hurricane weather forecasting.
NASA’s Aqua satellite is one in a fleet of NASA satellites that provide data for hurricane research.
For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.
Sep. 14, 2020 – NASA-NOAA Satellite Helps Confirm Teddy Now a Record-Setting Tropical Storm
NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite provided an infrared image of Tropical Depression 20 in that helped confirm it organized and strengthened into Tropical Storm Teddy. Teddy, which has broken a hurricane season record, is expected to become a major hurricane later in the week, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
This nighttime image from NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite revealed a more organized Tropical Depression 20 helping confirm it had become Tropical Storm Teddy in the Central Atlantic Ocean around midnight on Sept. 14. Credit: NASA Worldview, Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS)
Tropical Depression 20 formed late on Saturday, Sept. 12 in the Central North Atlantic Ocean, about 2,030 miles (3,265 km) east of the Northern Leeward Islands. It maintained tropical depression status until this morning, Sept. 14, when infrared satellite data helped confirm it had strengthened and organized. NHC reported this makes Tropical Storm Teddy the earliest 19th named storm, besting the unnamed tropical storm on October 4, 2005.
NASA’s Night-Time View of Elida’s Intensification
The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument aboard Suomi NPP provided a nighttime image of Tropical Depression 20. The nighttime image, taken around midnight on Sept. 14, revealed that Tropical Depression 20 had become more organized helping confirm that it had become Tropical Storm Teddy in the Central Atlantic Ocean. The image was created using the NASA Worldview application at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.
NHC Senior Hurricane Forecaster Stacy Stewart noted, “Earlier ASCAT [scatterometer that measures wind speed] data indicated peak winds of 33 knots in the northwestern quadrant of the depression. Since then, convection has increased and so have the various satellite intensity estimates. The initial intensity is increased to 35 knots [40 mph] based on the ASCAT data, and satellite estimates of 35 knots from TAFB [NOAA’s Tropical Analysis and Forecast Branch] and 38 knots from University of Wisconsin-Madison-CIMSS SATCON.” The CIMSS Satellite Consensus (SATCON) product blends tropical cyclone intensity estimates derived from multiple objective algorithms to produce an ensemble estimate of intensity for current tropical cyclones worldwide.
Teddy’s Status on Sept. 14
At 5 a.m. EDT (0900 UTC) on Sept. 14, the center of Tropical Storm Teddy was located near latitude 13.4 degrees north and longitude 40.4 degrees west. Teddy is located about 1,405 miles (2,260 km) east of the Lesser Antilles. Teddy is moving toward the west-northwest near 14 mph (22 kph). Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 40 mph (65 kph) with higher gusts. The estimated minimum central pressure is 1004 millibars.
Teddy’s Forecast
A continued west-northwestward motion is expected for the next day or two followed by a turn toward the northwest by mid-week. Additional strengthening is anticipated, and Teddy is forecast to become a hurricane in a couple of days.
Large swells generated by Tropical Storm Teddy are expected to reach the Lesser Antilles and the northeastern coast of South America on Wednesday. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
About NASA’s EOSDIS Worldview
NASA’s Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) Worldview application provides the capability to interactively browse over 700 global, full-resolution satellite imagery layers and then download the underlying data. Many of the available imagery layers are updated within three hours of observation, essentially showing the entire Earth as it looks “right now.”
NASA Researches Earth from Space
For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science, and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation. Advancing knowledge of our home planet contributes directly to America’s leadership in space and scientific exploration.
