Tropical Weather

Galveston is no stranger to tropical weather. During hurricane season, from June 1st through November 30th, Galvestonians keep a close eye on the Gulf, and to trusted weather sources. This is also the height of the tourism season for the island. We’ve compiled tropical weather data below to help you plan your travels.

National Hurricane Center Tropical Weather Discussion

Tropical Weather Discussion NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL 0005 UTC Mon May 6 2024

Tropical Weather Discussion for North America, Central America Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, northern sections of South America, and Atlantic Ocean to the African coast from the Equator to 31N. The following information is based on satellite imagery, weather observations, radar and meteorological analysis.

Based on 1800 UTC surface analysis and satellite imagery through 2230 UTC.

...MONSOON TROUGH/ITCZ...

The monsoon trough reaches the Atlantic through the coast of Sierra Leone near 09N14W and continues southwestward to 07N18W. The ITCZ extends eastward from 07N18W to 03N47W. Scattered moderate to isolated strong convection is observed south of 06N and west of 14W.

...GULF OF MEXICO...

Moderate to fresh E to SE winds and slight to moderate seas dominate most of the basin. Scattered moderate to isolated strong convection is noted off the Texas coast within the NW Gulf of Mexico, N of 26N and W of 91W. Smoke from agricultural fires in portions of southern Mexico is reducing visibility and creating hazy conditions across parts of the southwest and west- central Gulf of Mexico.

For the forecast, low pressure extending from NE Mexico into the southern U.S. Plains will continue to draw in moderate to fresh SE winds across much of the Gulf through late week. Fresh to locally strong winds will pulse at night through late week off the northern and western Yucatan Peninsula. Haze due to agricultural fires in southeastern Mexico is evident in the SW and west-central Gulf.

...CARIBBEAN SEA...

Divergence aloft associated with an upper-level trough north of the Lesser Antilles, combined with abundant tropical moisture, is resulting in isolated showers and thunderstorms across the north- central and eastern Caribbean Sea. The trough will gradually weaken and move farther northeast of the area, but atmospheric conditions will remain favorable for convection capable of producing gusty winds and frequent lightning early this week. Locally heavy rainfall continues to bring a threat of flooding to Puerto Rico today. See local weather advisories for more information.

Moderate to locally fresh E winds and slight to moderate seas are observed across most of the basin, including the Windward Passage. Light to gentle winds are noted in the SW Caribbean with slight seas.

For the forecast, high pressure centered over the western Atlantic is supporting moderate to locally fresh trades over the SE Caribbean. Moderate to locally fresh E winds will pulse nightly in the Windward Passage into the middle of the week. A surface trough that had been impacting the north-central and NE basin has finally lift NE and out of the area, taking showers and thunderstorms with it.

...ATLANTIC OCEAN...

A weak cold front extends from a 1017 mb low near 26N57W to 28N74W. No convection is directly associated with this front. Gentle to moderate N to NE winds and moderate seas are noted north of the front, while gentle or weaker NE to E winds and slight seas are found south of the front.

Further east, another modest cold front extends from 30N40W to 21N51W. Scattered moderate convection is observed ahead of the front N of 22N and W of 33W. Ahead of the front to 30W, moderate to fresh SW winds and moderate seas are present. Off the coast of Morocco, Western Sahara, and in the vicinity of the Canary and Cabo Verde Islands fresh to strong NE winds are occurring. Moderate seas are found in these waters, with the highest seas found where winds are fresh. Waters south of 19N are dominated by moderate trades and moderate seas.

For the forecast west of 55W, the weak cold front extends will gradually dissipate as it drifts southward through tonight. High pressure building north of the area in the wake of the front will support fresh trade winds south of 24N through mid week. Meanwhile, large N swell associated with a gale center well north of the region over the north central Atlantic will move through the waters north of 27N and east of 60W Mon night through Tue night. Looking ahead, expect moderate to fresh SW winds off northeast Florida as the high pressure shifts southeast ahead of a front moving off the Carolinas.

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