Explosive cyclogenesis in central Atlantic Ocean, exceptional wind speeds within the jet stream

A hurricane-force low located in the central Atlantic Ocean is moving NE and causing exceptional wind speeds within the jet stream across the North Atlantic Ocean. The cyclone underwent incredibly rapid intensification and is expected to pass west of Iceland on February 21 before it hits south Greenland.

"This jet is related to the intense bombogenesis cyclone that has developed last night in the north Atlantic," Severe Weather Europe meteorologists said. "Wind speeds of almost 400 km/h (250 mph) are being observed approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) above the ground."

Earlier today, around 00:00 UTC (February 20), the core was even stronger and wind speeds were up to 407 km/h (253 mph)!

12:00 UTC, February 20, 2019 – SFC Winds. Credit: Earth.Nullschool.Net

12:00 UTC, February 20, 2019 – 250hPa Winds. Credit: Earth.Nullschool.Net

The cyclone has gone through an incredibly rapid intensification and deepened below 940 hPa on the morning of February 20. Within only 19 hours, this cyclone deepened for incredible 51 hPa – from 1 003 to 952 hPa.

51 hPa is more than double the threshold (24 hPa in 24 hours) for 'explosive cyclogenesis' also known as 'bombogenesis' and 'bomb cyclone.' 

See also: Explosive cyclogenesis in the NW Pacific Ocean (58 hPa in 24 hours) – January 11, 2019

Image courtesy SWE, Meteociel

The cyclone expected to produce waves of up to 15 m (49 feet) and pass west of Iceland on February 21 before making landfall over southern Greenland.

Featured image: Hurricane-force low in the North Atlantic Ocean at 11:00 UTC on February 20, 2019. Credit: UW-CIMSS, TW