Atlantic major hurricanes, 1995-2005 - Characteristics based on best-track, aircraft and IR images

Abstract

The Atlantic major hurricanes during the period of 1995-2005 are examined using best-track data, aircraft-based observations of central pressure, and infrared (IR) satellite images. There were 45 Atlantic major hurricanes (Saffir-Simpson category 3 or higher) during this 11-yr period, which is well above the long-term average. Descriptive statistics (e.g., average, variability, and range) of various characteristics are presented, including intensity, intensification rate, major hurricane duration, location, storm motion, size, and landfall observations. IR images are shown along with IR-derived quantities such as the digital Dvorak technique intensity and IR-defined cold cloud areas. In addition to the satellite intensity estimates, the associated component IR temperatures are documented. A pressure-wind relationship is evaluated, and the deviations of maximum intensity measurements from the pressure-wind relationship are discussed. The Atlantic major hurricane activity of the 1995-2005 period distinctly exceeds the long-term average; however, the average location where major hurricanes reach maximum intensity has not changed. The maximum intensity for each 1995-2005 Atlantic major hurricane is given both as the highest maximum surface wind (Vmax) and the lowest minimum sea level pressure (MSLP). Comparisons are made to other Atlantic major hurricanes with low MSLP back to 1950. Maximum 24-h intensification rates average 21.1 m s-1 day-1 and range up to 48.8 m s-1 day-1 in terms of Vmax. The largest 24-h MSLP decreases average 34.2 hPa and range from 15 to 97 hPa. Major hurricane duration averages 2.7 days with a maximum of 10 days. Hurricane size, as given by the average radius of gale force wind at maximum intensity, averages 250.8 km and has an extremely large range from 92.5 to 427.4 km. © 2007 American Meteorological Society.