[NELSON111]

The LOWEST temp on that scale is 27.2C - which is still 81F. The MIN temp needed for tropical development is 80F.

HOWEVER - that is well away from where the storm will be tracking and the storm will spend most of its time over 29C (84F) water with the last 2-4 hours over 28C (82F) water - which is STILL warm enough to sustain a Cat1/2 hurricane (not that I am forecasting that - just that it's warm enough to sustain that).

But - know when I say that it's warm enough - I do know what I am talking about. I spent 32 years as a meteorologist for the military - and have forecasted tropical weather for decades. This is what I did for a living.

[SanchoP]

I bow to your expertise.