Barometric pressure can be a factor in determining the track of a hurricane.  A strong Bermuda high will force hurricanes into the Gulf of Mexico or into the east coast of the US.  A weak Bermuda high will cause hurricanes to curve away from the east coast. Whether the hurricane is pulled into the Gulf of Mexico or moves up the east coast also depends on barometric pressure along the Gulf coast.

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 Watch This: Death of a Hurricane

Sea surface temperatures are another factor.  Hurricanes can intensify as they enter warm water.  However, if the water temperature is too warm, the hurricane becomes imbalanced and begins to fall apart.

Hurricanes are unable to sustain their power when water temperatures are below 80 degrees F.

Although strong shearing winds favor the development of tornadoes, they literally blow a hurricane apart. Shearing winds, sea surface temperatures, and barometric pressure are three major factors that forecasters take into account when attempting to predict the track of a hurricane.

During an El Nino year, shearing winds tend to suppress hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico.  La Nina conditions tend to intensify hurricane activity. 

Learn More: Interaction with El Nino

Strong cold shearing winds also kept Arlene from becoming a full fledged hurricane. 

An area of low pressure over land pulled Arlene into the Alabama coast.