Highlights

Hurricane Opal developed when an easterly wave moved into a broad area of low pressure in the western Caribbean Sea. Sea-surface temperatures were 28°C (82°F). Opal reached hurricane status at 1200 UTC 02 October 1995 (2 hours prior to this animation).

What to Observe

• Hurricane Opal
• Mid-latitude System 1
• Mid-latitude System 2
• Tropical System
• The ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone)
• Different cloud-top temperatures indicating different cloud heights

Status

• Approximately 49-56 hours prior to landfall
• Category 1 (Saffir-Simpson scale)