Insights on First Subtropical Low which has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Arlene (credit: CIMSS)

DISCUSSION: Over the last 24 to 48 hours, there have been interesting developments across parts of the North Atlantic Ocean.  During this period of time, the first tropical depression of the 2017 hurricane season formed.  Within 24 hours of its formation, there was then sufficient information for forecasters at the National Hurricane Center located in Miami, Florida to upgrade Tropical Depression One to Tropical Storm Arlene. Thus, here on April 20th, we now have the first named storm of 2017 hurricane season.  It is worth noting that this storm is a direct by-product of the current satellite era that atmospheric scientists now live in.  By looking at the lower satellite imagery animation with visible and infrared satellite imagery attached side-by-side, you can clearly see how there was a notable increase in convection around the center of the circulation of what formerly Tropical Depression One.  Thus, there was sufficient evidence via multiple satellite imagery channels to support Tropical Depression One being upgraded to Tropical Storm Arlene.

To learn more about other high-impact weather events occurring across the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, be sure to click here!

©2017 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz