Wednesday - 5PM Update
As expected TD #6 has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Frances at 5pm. Frances continues to move to the west at 14kts with sustained winds of 35 knots and pressure now down to 1005mb. NHC still anticipates a more west northwest track and eventually a northwest track - and still cautions that the tropical storm could take a more southerly track with west northwest rather than northwest motion in a day or two. Gradual intensification is anticipated.
ED

Original Article
The strong tropical wave that departed the west coast of Africa a few days ago has developed into TD #6 this evening. The Tropical Depression is located well southwest of the Cape Verde Islands and is moving to the west at 15 to 20 knots. Maximum sustained wind is 25 knots and pressure is 1009mb.

TD #6 should move on a west northwesterly course over the next couple of days while slowly growing in intensity. The tropical cyclone should become Tropical Storm Frances on Wednesday. The long range NHC forecast takes the storm on a more northwesterly course, however there is still some doubt about this motion since the mid Atlantic trough will not create a significant weakness in the mid Atlantic ridge located south of the trough. The forward motion is on the increase, but it should be slower than the forward motion that was noted with some of the tropical waves earlier this season

Plenty of time to watch this system evolve - and we will.
ED

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