Hurricane Olivia Initial Discussion

Discussion: Hurricane Olivia as of 0300 UTC located about 1300 miles west of Baja California, currently under the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Miami, Florida area of responsibility, until Olivia propagates into the Central Pacific area of responsibility in the coming days.

According to the NHC, minimum central pressure is approximately 948mb, with no current watches or warning in effect. Hurricane Olivia is a major hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 130 mph, making Olivia a category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Some changes are expected in the coming days with gradual weakening to occur especially as Olivia encounters cooler sea-surface temperatures, and some shear northeast of the island chain. The National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NESDIS) indicates temperatures around the Hawaiian Islands are ranging from 26º/27ºC. Cooler than Lane’s passage however still warm enough to provide latent heat to the system.

Olivia is propagating West Northwestward at 14mph. 0300 UTC model indications put the hurricane tracking westward to the islands. While still early to determine exact track, now is the time to consider preparation ahead of possible disruptions similar to Lane’s nearby passage.

For continued updates on Hurricane Olivia and other weather events impacting the world visit the Global Weather and Climate Center!

© 2018 Meteorologist Jessica Olsen
Referenced:
Center, National Hurricane. “Olivia.” National Hurricane Center, 1 Jan. 2001, www.nhc.noaa.gov/.