Edouard (2020)

A low-pressure area formed from a weakening frontal system a few hundred miles east of the northeast Florida coast on July 3, 2020. Convection organized and the system became a tropical depression by 1200 UTC July 4 about 250 nautical miles west‑southwest of Bermuda. The depression tracked northeastward, passed about 60 nmi northwest of Bermuda early on July 5, became Tropical Storm Edouard around 0000 UTC July 6, and moved rapidly into the mid-latitude westerlies. Edouard merged with a frontal system and became extratropical around 0000 UTC July 7 about 425 nmi east‑southeast of Cape Race, Newfoundland, and the remnant low then moved across southern Ireland and southern Great Britain on July 9 before dissipating.

Edouard did not make any landfall as a tropical cyclone. Its center passed northwest of Bermuda on July 5 while it was still a depression, and it became extratropical well east of Newfoundland on July 7 before affecting Ireland and southern England as a weakening post-tropical low.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds reached 40 knots (about 46 mph) at 1200 UTC July 6, with an estimated minimum central pressure of 1005 millibars. That peak intensity corresponds to a moderate tropical storm, and Edouard never reached hurricane strength.

Bermuda experienced gusty winds and heavy rain when the circulation passed northwest of the island on July 5; an automated station just northwest of Bermuda recorded a peak gust of 37 knots (about 43 mph). No specific storm surge measurements or large rainfall totals were reported in the official record for other named cities or counties.

There were no reports of damage or any fatalities directly or indirectly associated with Edouard. The most affected area in terms of observed weather was Bermuda, which saw gusts and heavy showers but no reported impacts.

Noteworthy items: Edouard was of non-tropical origin and formed quickly, making it the earliest fifth-named storm in the Atlantic satellite era (forming in early July), breaking the previous record from 2005. Its genesis was poorly anticipated—forecasters first mentioned the disturbance only about 12 hours before formation—and no tropical watches or warnings were required for land areas. Forecast track errors were larger than recent averages at some intervals, while intensity forecasts were relatively accurate.