001 
 WTNT41 KNHC 170837
 TCDAT1
 
 TROPICAL DEPRESSION SIX DISCUSSION NUMBER   2
 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL       AL062016
 500 AM AST WED AUG 17 2016
 
 The depression's cloud pattern is gradually becoming better
 organized.  It consists of a central mass of deep convection and a
 newly formed band over the northern half of the circulation.  The
 low-level center appears to still be located near the northeastern
 edge of the main convective mass, likely due to some northeasterly
 shear. Satellite classifications are T2.0 from TAFB and SAB, and
 support maintaining the initial intensity estimate of 30 kt.
 
 The northeasterly shear is forecast to decrease while the cyclone
 moves over marginally warm waters during the next 24 to 36 hours.
 These two factors should favor some intensification during this time
 frame.  However, the global models, and the ECMWF in particular,
 show the cyclone moving into a much drier environment after 48 hours
 and encountering strong southwesterly shear in association with a
 mid- to upper-level trough. Thus weakening is forecast to begin by
 day 3 despite the cyclone's trek over warmer waters, and there is
 the possibility that the system could degenerate into a remnant low
 by day 4 or 5 as depicted in the ECMWF.  The new NHC intensity
 forecast is somewhat higher than the previous one and the multi-
 model consensus in the short term but lower later in the forecast
 period and a little below most of the guidance.
 
 The depression has been responding to a weakness in the subtropical
 ridge between 40w and 50w by moving on a northwesterly track, and
 the initial motion estimate is 305/13.  The track guidance remains
 split into two distinct camps, with GFS-based deterministic models
 and GFS ensemble members showing a deeper system moving more
 poleward.  The ECMWF and its ensemble solutions are much farther to
 the south as a result of the model's forecast of a weaker, shallower
 system moving on a more westerly course.  Based on the assumption
 of a weaker system, the NHC track forecast is adjusted toward the
 ECMWF solution, and is well south of the previous one and a little
 to the left of the multi-model consensus.
 
 
 FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS
 
 INIT  17/0900Z 13.2N  35.2W   30 KT  35 MPH
  12H  17/1800Z 14.3N  36.8W   40 KT  45 MPH
  24H  18/0600Z 15.5N  38.3W   45 KT  50 MPH
  36H  18/1800Z 16.8N  39.9W   50 KT  60 MPH
  48H  19/0600Z 17.8N  41.4W   50 KT  60 MPH
  72H  20/0600Z 19.2N  44.7W   45 KT  50 MPH
  96H  21/0600Z 21.6N  48.9W   40 KT  45 MPH
 120H  22/0600Z 23.6N  52.3W   35 KT  40 MPH
 
 $$
 Forecaster Kimberlain