What Happened?
by Wayne Gentry, Meteorologist

So what happened to the forecast for one of the most active tropical seasons in history? Southern Beaches braced for high water and empty beaches have languished under hotter than average temperatures and flat surf... I heard one visitor refer to the Gulf as "The lake of Mexico".

Weathermen know that many factors remain in place for an active year, good grief, the water temperatures as far north as Virginia are in the mid 80's... in mid September! That's a lot of energy stored in our oceans, but something has repressed activity this year... thank goodness.

Wind Shear... doesn't everybody know what wind shear is? Perhaps not until now. Shear refers to wind from different directions at different altitudes... which doesn't allow these potential giants to mature. And quite frankly, I don't care what stunts their growth... as long as it works.

In the grand scheme of things, tropical systems transport heat northward. From a purely non scientific viewpoint, I like to think that the Big Guy, the Real Weatherman, thought there was enough heat north of the Mason Dixon line this year. My only complaint... a full summer with no surf.

Keep watching the Tourist Network... I'll wax my board and looking skyward...

Yes thank you big guy, I've had a relaxing year thanks to a dull huricane season

My neighbor, who is a scientist in FWB,FL, said the reason why it is'nt an active season is because the wind patten changed. Since hurricaine Katrina the winds and weather are altered..not to mention the man made menances..global warming and over developements tearing up the ecosystem. Panama City is a wall of condos blocking my ocean. Destin is well on its way... Annaportabella