Influence of tropical cyclones on humidity patterns over southern Baja California, Mexico

The influence of tropical cyclone circulations in the distribution of humidity and convection over northwestern Mexico is investigated by analyzing circulations that developed in the eastern Pacific Ocean from 1 July to 21 September 2004. Documented cases having some impact over the Baja California...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Monthly weather review 2007-04, Vol.135 (4), p.1208-1224
Main Authors: FARFAN, Luis M, FOGEL, Ira
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Advection
Coasts
Convection
Cyclones
Cyclonic circulation
Datasets
Distribution
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
Geostationary satellites
Humidity
Hurricanes
Marine
Meteorology
Precipitable water
Precipitation
Rain
Rainforests
Satellite imagery
Satellite observation
Storms
Synchronous satellites
Tropical circulation
Tropical cyclones
Tropical depressions
Tropical storms
Wind
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Summary:The influence of tropical cyclone circulations in the distribution of humidity and convection over northwestern Mexico is investigated by analyzing circulations that developed in the eastern Pacific Ocean from 1 July to 21 September 2004. Documented cases having some impact over the Baja California Peninsula include Tropical Storm Blas (13-15 July), Hurricane Frank (23-25 August), Hurricane Howard (2-6 September), and Hurricane Javier (15-20 September). Datasets are derived from geostationary satellite imagery, upper-air and surface station observations, as well as an analysis from an operational model. Emphasis is given to circulations that moved within 800 km of the southern part of the peninsula. The distribution of precipitable water is used to identify distinct peaks during the approach of these circulations and deep convection that occurred for periods of several days over the southern peninsula and Gulf of California. Hurricane Howard is associated with a significant amount of precipitation, while Hurricane Javier made landfall across the central peninsula with a limited impact on the population in the area. An examination of the large-scale environment suggests that advection of humid air from the equatorial Pacific is an important element in sustaining tropical cyclones and convection off the coast of western Mexico. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0027-0644
1520-0493
DOI:10.1175/MWR3356.1