BY: WEATHER TEAM | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2023 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Tropical Storm Arlene became the first named storm of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Friday afternoon, just hours after the hurricane season began. Tropical Depression 2 formed on Thursday and grew to Tropical Storm Strength less than 24 hours later.
The storm does not pose a direct threat to Florida, although heavy rain is likely over the next several days. This is the afternoon update from the National Hurricane Center:
Tropical Storm Arlene Special Discussion Number 5 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL022023
100 PM CDT Fri Jun 02 2023
Data from the Air Force Hurricane Hunters indicate that the depression has strengthened into a tropical storm. On the last leg of the current mission, the aircraft found maximum 925 mb flight-level winds of around 50 kt and SFMR surface winds of around 35 kt. Based on these data, Tropical Depression Two has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Arlene with estimated peak winds of 35 kt.
Although the storm has strengthened slightly, we still expect Arlene to weaken soon due to increasing wind shear and dry air, and no change has been made to the forecast. The next forecast will be issued at the normal time at 4 pm CDT.
FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS
INIT 02/1800Z 26.7N 86.2W 35 KT 40 MPH
12H 03/0000Z 25.6N 86.2W 30 KT 35 MPH
24H 03/1200Z 24.2N 85.8W 25 KT 30 MPH
36H 04/0000Z 23.2N 84.9W 25 KT 30 MPH… POST-TROP/REMNT LOW
48H 04/1200Z… DISSIPATED
