Rapid Intensification of Tropical Storm Fabio in 2024 Eastern Pacific
Tropical Storm Fabio rapidly intensified over the eastern Pacific in early August 2024. Originating from an African easterly wave that merged with the Pacific monsoon trough, the system consolidated quickly about 305 nautical miles south-southwest of Manzanillo. With sea surface temperatures above 28°C and low wind shear, Fabio peaked at 55 knots (about 100 km/h) and 996 mb on 6 August. Subsequently, it underwent a Fujiwhara interaction with nearby Tropical Storm Emilia, which ultimately absorbed Fabio's circulation.
Atmospheric Drivers and Wave Interaction: The Birth of Fabio
Fabio's genesis traced back to a late-July African easterly wave crossing the Atlantic into the eastern Pacific. After crossing Central America, the wave encountered the monsoon trough, fostering two cyclonic vorticity maxima. The eastern maximum organized quickly, leading to the designation of Tropical Storm Fabio at 1200 UTC on 5 August. Satellite imagery depicted well-defined curved rainbands wrapping into a compact low-level center.
Peak Pressure Drop and Ocean Dynamics: Fabio at 55 Knots
Warm waters and modest shear allowed Fabio to intensify soon after formation. From 0600 to 1200 UTC on 6 August, Fabio reached its peak strength, with maximum sustained winds of 55 knots and a central pressure of 996 mb. The Advanced Dvorak Technique (ADT) and subjective satellite analysis (SAB) both estimated T3.5, confirming deep convection near the core. During this peak phase, Fabio displayed a symmetric cloud shield and a well-established upper-level outflow.
Fujiwhara Interaction and Dissipation: Fabio Merging into Emilia
As Fabio moved closer to Tropical Storm Emilia to its west-northwest, the two systems began interacting. The classic Fujiwhara effect steered Fabio on a curved northwest track while Emilia's circulation sheared and elongated Fabio's outer bands. By 7 August, Fabio had lost its identity as a distinct cyclone and was entirely absorbed into Emilia's broader circulation.