Last night Invest 96L developed excellent cyclonic structure and the system was upgraded by NHC to Tropical Depression Seven at 25/1234Z. NHC bulletins will begin at 15Z (11AM EDT). At 25/12Z TD7 was located about 350 miles west southwest of the Cape Verde Islands near 14.2N 30.3W with sustained winds of 30 knots and a central pressure of 1007MB. The depression was moving to the west at 20 knots and a track to the west to west northwest is expected for the next few days at about the same forward speed. TD7 should continue to intensify today and reach tropical storm strength tonight. An area of windshear near 20N 40W will probably slow the intensification process on Thursday, but beyond that timeframe conditions are quite favorable for additional intensification and the tropical cyclone should attain hurricane strength by Friday evening or Saturday morning. The next name on the list this year is Earl.
ED