000 AXPZ20 KNHC 021448 TWDEP Tropical Weather Discussion NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL 1434 UTC Wed May 2 2018 Tropical Weather Discussion for the eastern Pacific Ocean from the Equator to 32N, east of 140W. The following information is based on satellite imagery, weather observations, radar, and meteorological analysis. Based on 1200 UTC surface analysis and satellite imagery through 1500 UTC. ...INTERTROPICAL CONVERGENCE ZONE/MONSOON TROUGH... A surface trough extends from 06N77W to 08N93W to 10N104W to 09N112W. The ITCZ axis continues westward from 09N112W to 07N130W to 06N140W. Scattered moderate isolated strong convection is from 06N to 09N between 90W and 98W, and from 10N to 14N between 99W and 103W. Scattered moderate convection is from 14N to 18N between 101W and 105W, and from 09N to 12N between 107W and 115W. ...DISCUSSION... OFFSHORE WATERS WITHIN 250 NM OF MEXICO... High pressure north of the area extends extends a ridge SE west of Baja California. The pressure gradient between the ridge and low pressure over the US Great Basin is supporting moderate to fresh NW winds W of the Baja peninsula. These winds will gradually diminish through Wed night as the high shifts southward and weakens. 7-8 ft seas in this area will slowly subside to 5-7 ft by early Thursday. Gulf of California: A cold front extends from southern Arizona across the northern Gulf of California to Point Eugenia. Strong to near gale force southwest to west winds in the northern Gulf and seas to 8 ft will diminish this morning, becoming 15 to 20 kt and 4-6 ft by this afternoon. A brief surge of fresh NW winds is forecast along the coast of Mexico from 22N-25N, within about 45 nm offshore Cabo Corrientes on Friday night as the pressure gradient tightens somewhat. Gulf of Tehuantepec: The next episode of strong northerly winds is possible Sat night and Sun as building high pressure in the western Gulf of Mexico induces gap winds across Tehuantepec. OFFSHORE WATERS WITHIN 250 NM OF CENTRAL AMERICA, COLOMBIA, AND WITHIN 750 NM OF ECUADOR... Gulf of Papagayo: Fresh to locally strong NE drainage flow will develop again overnight, and continue to pulse nocturnally at around 20 kt through Thu. Gulf of Panama: Gentle to mainly moderate nocturnal flow is forecast through Thu. Elsewhere, light to gentle winds will prevail N of the trough axis, while gentle to moderate south to southwest winds are expected S of the trough. Seas will be in the 4 to 6 ft range. REMAINDER OF THE AREA... A broad surface ridge, anchored by high pressure centered well north of the area, extends southeastward across forecast waters to near the Revillagigedo Islands. The pressure gradient between the ridge and the ITCZ is supporting fresh northeast trades and seas of 6-8 ft from 06N-16N W of 125W. A pronounced jet stream is transporting abundant deep layer moisture from the tropics northeastward into central Mexico, producing widespread showers and a few thunderstorms. This deep moisture pattern will change little through Friday. $$ GR