EPIC WEATHER DISCUSSION REPORT

REVIEW OF PREVIOUS FORECAST

EPIC area under weakening interaction with mid-latitudes as deep trough effects on the Gulf of Mexico are 
diminishing.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

GOES vis this am (Image 1) shows several convective cloud clusters relatively far north and little or no 
convection along traditional ITCZ latitudes of 7-10N.  First cloud cluster is a bit west of EPIC line with 
circulation center near 12.5N, 97W.  C130 flew into this area yesterday on ITCZ mission and found 
circulation and strong surface level winds.  Second convective cluster to the east covering 10-13N, 
88-93W.  Qscat winds (Image 2) suggest surface southwesterly flow all the way up into this cluster; so is this a 
northward displacement of the convergence zone?  Slow westward movement of this convective cluster will 
bring it across the 95W line later today and tonight...but these clusters are tending to move more slowly than 
traditional easterly waves.

DISCUSSION

Will be watching convective cluster just upstream doing the day for movement and
areal coverage

SUMMARY

Aircraft mission a bit tentative due to P3 repairs