Formation Meteorological history of Hurricane Dean

satellite image of low became hurricane dean. taken @ 12:45 utc on august 12, 2007

on august 11, 2007, vigorous tropical wave moved off west coast of africa, producing disorganized showers , thunderstorms. encountered conditions favorable gradual development, , on august 12 gained organization , became low. strong upper-level easterly winds slowed development, on august 13 tropical wave gained enough organization national hurricane center designated tropical depression four. @ time centered 520 mi (835 km) west-southwest of cape verde.

the depression exhibiting persistent deep convection in western portion of circulation. moved westward, south of deep layered ridge, escaping easterly wind shear had been slowing development , moving on warmer waters. @ 1500 utc on august 14, depression upgraded tropical storm dean while still 1450 mi (2300 km) east of barbados. convection waned afternoon, intensity grew, , convection flared in center night. dry air , cooler air inflow north slowed structural development; nevertheless, ragged bands began form on august 15. mid-morning, rough banding eye had formed, , next morning full eye developed. storm upgraded hurricane dean @ 0900 utc august 16, 550 mi (890 km) east of barbados.

a strong ridge of high pressure continued push system west, towards caribbean sea. afternoon, convective banding , increasing upper-level outflow strengthened storm category 2 hurricane on saffir-simpson hurricane scale. eye disappeared briefly overnight, possibly part of diurnal fluctuation, returned morning of august 17.