Why is Hurricane Joaquin's Path So Hard to Predict?

European computer models seem to have a leg up on predicting where a hurricane will head next.

Even though they’re large enough to see and track from space, hurricanes can be surprisingly difficult to predict.

Many of the models meteorologists use to predict the path of a hurricane are coming into agreement for Joaquin after days of forecasting anything from a direct hit for the U.S. East Coast to a straight shot out to sea. Previous charts showing the possible paths of Hurricane Joaquin looked like someone spilled a plate of noodles.

For now, it's looking more likely this category 4 hurricane will stay out to sea.

Joaquin's path has been especially difficult to anticipate because of other atmospheric phenomena that weather forecasting models aren't necessarily prepared to deal with at this time of year.

They include a high pressure

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