000 WTPZ41 KNHC 182036 TCDEP1 Hurricane Estelle Discussion Number 14 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP062022 300 PM MDT Mon Jul 18 2022 Since this morning, the central features of Estelle have become more ragged in appearance. An earlier SSMIS microwave pass from 1415 UTC showed a tilted vortex structure, suggesting the vertical wind shear is preventing the hurricane from strengthening. The objective and subjective Dvorak intensity estimates have changed little and the initial intensity remains at 70 kt. Model guidance indicates Estelle only has a brief period to intensify before moving over sea surface temperatures cooler than 25 C. However, moderate north-northwesterly wind shear is likely to persist through tonight and inhibit significant strengthening. A steady weakening trend is expected to begin in a day or so and Estelle is forecast to become a post-tropical cyclone within a few days. The NHC intensity forecast is just slightly above the latest consensus model guidance. Estelle continues to move west-northwest at 12 kt. A mid-level ridge associated with a strong high pressure system over the southwestern United States should provide the main steering for the next few days. As the cyclone degenerates into a post-tropical cyclone/remnant low, it should follow the low-level winds and turn more westward. The official forecast is very close to the latest corrected model consensus, HCCA. Estelle is expected to continue producing rough surf and rip current conditions along the coast of southwestern and west-central Mexico as well as the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula during the next day or so. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 18/2100Z 18.2N 112.5W 70 KT 80 MPH 12H 19/0600Z 18.5N 114.2W 70 KT 80 MPH 24H 19/1800Z 19.1N 116.5W 70 KT 80 MPH 36H 20/0600Z 19.9N 118.8W 65 KT 75 MPH 48H 20/1800Z 20.8N 121.1W 60 KT 70 MPH 60H 21/0600Z 21.8N 123.2W 50 KT 60 MPH 72H 21/1800Z 22.6N 125.1W 40 KT 45 MPH...POST-TROPICAL 96H 22/1800Z 23.4N 128.5W 30 KT 35 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 120H 23/1800Z 23.5N 131.0W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW $$ Forecaster Pasch/Bucci