Compact Tropical Storm Jose Peaked Over Open Atlantic Before Franklin Absorbed It
Tropical Storm Jose formed on 29 August 2023 and became a compact but organized tropical cyclone over the central Atlantic Ocean. The storm reached its peak intensity on 1 September with maximum sustained winds of 55 kt as satellite observations captured its strongest structure. Jose remained over open water throughout its lifetime, with no coastal watches or warnings issued and no direct fatalities reported. The cyclone was later absorbed by the larger post-tropical cyclone Franklin, ending its brief tropical existence.
Formation Over the Atlantic Wave: Jose’s Birth and Northward Track
Tropical Storm Jose developed from a tropical wave that moved off the west coast of Africa on 19 August 2023. The disturbance initially faced dry mid-level air and unfavorable wind shear, preventing significant organization over the eastern tropical Atlantic. Around 24 August, a broad low-pressure area formed between the Cabo Verde Islands and the Lesser Antilles before moving into a more favorable environment over the central subtropical Atlantic.
Jose became a tropical depression on 29 August 2023 near 27.7°N, 51.7°W, with maximum sustained winds of 30 kt and a central pressure of 1014 mb. The system crept northward, its circulation remaining unusually compact. By 31 August, improved convection and a better-defined structure allowed Jose to strengthen into a tropical storm.
The cyclone’s compact size complicated intensity assessment, as traditional satellite methods struggled to resolve its narrow wind field. Forecasters relied heavily on satellite-based observations, including ASCAT scatterometer data, to estimate the storm’s wind structure. Later analysis found that Jose’s peak intensity estimate carried greater uncertainty than normal because of its very small circulation.
Peak Intensity Over Open Water: Jose’s Compact Maximum Strength
Jose reached its strongest point around 0000 UTC on 1 September 2023 while positioned near 31.6°N, 52.5°W. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 55 kt and a central pressure of 996 mb. At peak intensity, tropical-storm-force winds extended only about 30 n mi from the center, highlighting the cyclone’s unusually compact structure.
Satellite imagery showed Jose briefly developing a very small mid-level eye-like feature on microwave observations at 2051 UTC and 2356 UTC on 31 August. ASCAT data provided important information about the storm’s narrow wind field, with later high-resolution analysis indicating peak winds near the strongest phase of the cyclone.
Despite reaching tropical storm strength, Jose remained an oceanic system without land impacts. The cyclone stayed over open waters during its entire lifecycle, and no coastal watches or warnings were issued. Its meteorological significance came from its short period of organization and interaction with a larger nearby storm system.
After reaching peak intensity, Jose continued moving northeastward while maintaining tropical storm status. Increasing interaction with post-tropical cyclone Franklin weakened the smaller circulation, marking the start of its dissolution.
Absorption by Franklin: The Final Phase of Jose’s Short Lifecycle
On 1 September 2023, Jose accelerated northeastward across the central Atlantic while gradually losing its independent structure. The storm remained a tropical storm with winds near 50 kt later that day, but its circulation became increasingly influenced by the larger Franklin system.
Jose’s dissipation followed a well-documented pattern: smaller cyclones often lose their identity when swept into larger systems. The cyclone was absorbed by Franklin after a four-day lifespan from 29 August to 1 September 2023.
The four-day lifecycle offered forecasters a case study in how larger cyclones can absorb smaller systems over open water.