Tropical Storm Bret (2005) - Meteorological History

Meteorological History

A tropical wave accompanied by a weak surface low pressure area crossed Central America and eastern Mexico from June 24 through June 27. An area of disturbed weather associated with the system moved into the Bay of Campeche early on June 28, though initially unfavorable upper-level wind shear and land interaction limited initial development. It tracked west-northwestward at 8–16 km/h (5–10 mph), and after moving into open waters the organization of deep convection increased with curved banding features developing. Based on data from a Hurricane Hunters flight into the system, it is estimated it developed into Tropical Depression Two at 18:00 UTC on June 28, while located about 100 km (62 mi) northeast of the city of Veracruz. At the time of its first advisory, the government of Mexico issued a tropical storm warning from Veracruz to Tampico.

About four hours after formation, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Bret, upon which it attained a minimum central pressure of 1002 mbar. Shortly thereafter, its appearance on radar deteriorated, and convection warmed around the center. With a mid-level anticyclone over Texas, Bret tracked steadily to the west-northwest, and began to re-organize just before moving ashore; at 12:00 UTC on June 29, the storm made landfall just southeast of Tuxpan with winds of 65 km/h (40 mph). After crossing the coast, the storm quickly degenerated to tropical depression status, though Bret retained a well-organized cloud pattern with deep convection. The center turned to the north-northwest, and early on June 30 Bret dissipated inland over Mexico.