A possible re-curve of Jimena towards Hawaii

September 5, 2015 3:12 PM | Skymet Weather Team

Hurricane Jimena which was moving away from the islands of Hawaii has a significant chance of turning towards the islands. This could happen during the next week.

On Friday evening the hurricane was located about 995 kms east of Hilo, Hawaii and was moving north-northwestwards at a speed of 6 kmph. A high pressure area is expected to strengthen during the weekend thereby, altering the path of Jimena in a westward direction. Depending on the strength of the high pressure area the hurricane could move southwestwards or continue moving towards the west. The strength of Jimena will vary between a tropical storm and a category 1 hurricane during the weekend.

It is to be noted that majority of the hurricanes which have a southwestward track tend to weaken. This is because this track is unusual and is against the natural movement of hurricanes. There has never been a tropical storm or a hurricane to strike Hawaii from the northeast since 1950. There are chances that the system could maintain itself for long as the path would take it over unusually warm waters in the region.

Sea conditions will be rough and whether or not there will be gusty winds and drenching thunderstorms will depend on the strength and movement of the hurricane.

The 2015 hurricane has been very active so far and due to El-Nino the trend is likely to continue in September and into October.

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