What’s causing Irene to weaken? Is it the colder water? I notice that because the Gulfstream is further to the east the further north you get that the water is significantly colder along the East coast up there. In fact, I can’t really tolerate swimming in that water. Much too cold for me.
It appears to be dry air entrapment from proximity to land. Water temps ~79ºF in the area. Irene will be encountering increasing wind shear ahead, causing some additional weakening.