Analyzing Atmospheric Conditions of the Tampa Bay Area under the Influence of a Frontal System

In September 2022, the densely populated Tampa Bay area anticipated being directly in the storm track of Hurricane Ian. Meteorologists and emergency officials instructed locals to evacuate in preparation for the hurricane’s arrival. However, Hurricane Ian shifted east, directly impacting Fort Meyers instead. Hurricane Ian’s track was hard to predict due to various atmospheric conditions and the uncertain strength and speed of the storm. This study examines the propagation of a cold front into Tampa's atmospheric environment and its interaction with Hurricane Ian, ultimately producing a stationary front. Observational data were used to examine the atmospheric conditions of the Tampa Bay area. For in-depth analysis, soundings collected during September 2022 at the Tampa International Airport were utilized to generate surface maps and skew-T diagrams. Parameters such as precipitation, wind speed, temperatures, and Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) were also examined. Furthermore, satellite imagery was used to investigate Hurricane Ian’s composition as it interacted with the front and propagated across the Florida Peninsula. This data identified areas of very low CAPE and cold air advection throughout Tampa’s atmospheric profile, leading to reduced rainfall, winds, and decreased temperatures. The conclusion drawn is that the atmospheric conditions in Tampa due to the stationary front produced relatively stable conditions upon merging with Hurricane Ian. The absorption of the stationary front injected cool, dry air into Tampa’s atmosphere as the hurricane rotated counterclockwise. Further study can be conducted to investigate the contribution to the emergence of dry conditions within Hurricane Ian by the stationary front, potentially impacting its intensity and structure as it progressed eastward.