Tropical Storm “Gonzalo” forms as Atlantic’s earliest 7th named storm on record

Tropical Storm "Gonzalo" formed in the Atlantic Ocean at 12:50 UTC on July 22, 2020, as the earliest 7^th named storm in the basin on record. The previous record-holder for the earliest 7th named storm formation in the Atlantic is Gert on July 24, 2005. 

Gonzalo formed after Fay — the 6^th earliest — and Edouard, the 5^th earliest named storm in the Atlantic.

At 12:50 UTC on July 22, Gonzalo was located about 2 010 km (1 250 miles) E of the southern Windward Islands. The system had maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h (45 mph) and was moving WNW at 19 km/h (12 mph). Its minimum central pressure was 1 003 hPa.

A generally westward motion at a faster forward speed is expected during the next few days. 

Although the cyclone is likely to remain in an environment of fairly low shear, the influences of dry air and large-scale subsidence could inhibit strengthening in a few days, according to the NHC forecaster Pasch. "It should also be noted that the small size of this system makes it susceptible to significant fluctuations in intensity, both upward and downward."

Interests in the southern Windward Islands should monitor the progress of this system, NHC said.

"There is a chance Gonzalo ramps up to a Category 1 hurricane prior to reaching the Windward Islands," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Rob Miller stated.

Tropical Storm "Gonzalo" at 13:10 UTC on July 22, 2020. Credit: NOAA/GOES-East, RAMMB/CIRA

Featured image credit: NOAA/GOES-East, RAMMB/CIRA