000 WTPZ43 KNHC 241439 TCDEP3 Tropical Storm Celia Discussion Number 32 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP032022 900 AM MDT Fri Jun 24 2022 Little by little, Celia is becoming better organized. Deep-layer shear has decreased markedly from a few days ago, but the cyclone still appears to be in the process of mixing out some of the dry air that got into the circulation. Subjective and objective satellite intensity estimates now range from 55 to 65 kt, therefore Celia's estimated intensity is increased to 55 kt on this advisory. Celia is moving slowly toward the west-northwest (290/7 kt) to the south of a mid-level ridge that stretches across the southern United States and northern Mexico. The ridge is not particularly strong, however, and this pattern is likely to cause Celia to slow down further to around 5 kt during the next 12-24 hours. After 24 hours, the ridge is expected to strengthen and expand westward, causing Celia to gradually accelerate through day 5. The guidance envelope is tightly packed, and the updated NHC track forecast is unchanged from the 09z forecast. Shear diagnoses from the SHIPS model indicate that deep-layer shear is likely to be less than 10 kt during the entire 5-day forecast period. However, the limiting factor to Celia's intensity will be sea surface temperatures. Celia still has an opportunity to strengthen further, possibly to a hurricane, during the next 24 hours or so before it begins to cross the tight SST gradient near Socorro Island. Gradual weakening is forecast after 36 hours over colder waters, and Celia is likely to lose its deep convection and become post-tropical by day 4. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 24/1500Z 17.1N 109.0W 55 KT 65 MPH 12H 25/0000Z 17.4N 109.7W 60 KT 70 MPH 24H 25/1200Z 17.9N 110.7W 65 KT 75 MPH 36H 26/0000Z 18.5N 111.9W 65 KT 75 MPH 48H 26/1200Z 19.1N 113.4W 60 KT 70 MPH 60H 27/0000Z 19.6N 115.2W 55 KT 65 MPH 72H 27/1200Z 20.2N 117.3W 50 KT 60 MPH 96H 28/1200Z 21.5N 122.0W 40 KT 45 MPH...POST-TROPICAL 120H 29/1200Z 22.4N 126.9W 30 KT 35 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW $$ Forecaster Berg