Forecasting a hurricane isn’t just looking at radar scans and satellite imagery. Not even close.

Their job is considered one of the most important parts of forecasting a hurricane.

They’re simply known as ‘Hurricane Hunters,’ but the work done by the men and women of the 403rd Airlift Wing is much more than just a thrilling ride.

We discuss the questions I get asked the most.

Hurricane Season is now upon us and with an above normal number of storms forecasted by everyone, we can use all the information we can get about approaching storms! We talk about the models a lot and it’s important to know that the models are only as good as the data that goes into them---”baloney in, baloney out”. So as much accurate, real-time data we collect, the more the models have to calculate and the better their forecast.

Zeta is moving toward the east-northeast near 55 mph (89 km/h), and this general motion is expected to continue through tonight. On the forecast track, the center of Zeta will emerge over the western Atlantic this evening. Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph (85 km/h) with higher gusts. A sustained wind of 39 mph (63 km/h) and a gust to 46 mph (74 km/h) were recently reported at Ocean City, Maryland. RAINFALL: The last of the heavy rainfall along the track of Zeta will impact the Mid-Atlantic through this evening.

After Hurricane Delta made landfall Friday evening as a Category 2 storm with winds of 100 mph near Creole, Louisiana, it has continually weakened overnight and through this morning and as of 10am become a depression. Delta weakens to a depression (KPRC)The biggest threat is still rain with 2-4 inches likely along its path with some isolated amounts possible as much as 6-10 inches for the lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys. Delta picks up speed toward the northeast (KPRC)WindCameron and Lake Charles, Louisiana, which took a direct hit from Hurricane Laura, stayed on the “clean” side of Delta -- west of the eye. Compared to Laura, Delta is not as strong and not as well-organized. Delta made landfall near Creole Louisiana, only about 12 miles to the east of the track of Hurricane Laura six weeks earlier.

Other than the clouds and rain weve seen (especially at the coast), I would hold a torch for that one. Let talk about Tropical Flare up #2, way out there, and again with a low development chance, but an even smaller one once it moves into the windy Caribbean sea. The wind shear chart below is a mess at first glance, so just take not of the RED unfavorable area in the Caribbean. Wind shear should tear that one up. You can see across the Gulf there is neutral/favorable wind shear so there wont be that issue and the water is plenty warm.