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#1016941 (Received by flhurricane at: 4:54 PM 15.Sep.2020) TCDAT5 Tropical Storm Teddy Discussion Number 13 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL202020 500 PM AST Tue Sep 15 2020 Overall, Teddy`s organization has continued to slowly improve during the past several hours. AMSR microwave imagery near 1630 UTC showed that a low- to mid-level eye feature is beginning to form. The overall convective pattern has also improved, though not enough to increase the intensity estimates at this time, which only range from 45-55 kt. The intensity is therefore held at 55 kt, but it does appear that some intensification is imminent. The AMSR image showed indications of a microwave signature commonly associated with rapid intensification in favorable environments. Low shear and warm SSTs along the forecast track are certainly conducive, though dry air continues to be a possible limiting factor. The dry air is probably the reason that dry slots continue to occasionally appear in IR imagery near the center of Teddy. Rapid intensification probabilities are not particularly high; the SHIPS RI gives a 22 percent chance of a 30-kt increase during the next 24 h while DTOPS shows a mere 1 percent chance. The rest of the intensity models forecast only modest strengthening for the next couple of days. The NHC intensity forecast is at the top of the intensity guidance for the next 48 h and slightly above all of the models after that, but I am hesitant to lower it any further at this time given the recent microwave signature and overall improvement in Teddy`s structure. In contrast, Teddy`s track outlook remains straightforward, and no changes of note were made to the official forecast. The tropical storm is turning gradually toward the northwest and should begin moving in that direction tonight. A ridge over the central Atlantic should then steer Teddy in that general direction for the rest of the week. The model spread is still much lower than normal, and confidence in the track forecast is fairly high. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 15/2100Z 14.6N 47.9W 55 KT 65 MPH 12H 16/0600Z 15.5N 49.0W 65 KT 75 MPH 24H 16/1800Z 16.8N 50.2W 75 KT 85 MPH 36H 17/0600Z 18.2N 51.6W 85 KT 100 MPH 48H 17/1800Z 19.7N 53.1W 95 KT 110 MPH 60H 18/0600Z 21.0N 54.4W 100 KT 115 MPH 72H 18/1800Z 22.5N 55.8W 100 KT 115 MPH 96H 19/1800Z 25.4N 58.8W 105 KT 120 MPH 120H 20/1800Z 28.5N 61.5W 95 KT 110 MPH $$ Forecaster Zelinsky |