000 WTPZ42 KNHC 161429 TCDEP2 TROPICAL DEPRESSION SEVEN-E DISCUSSION NUMBER 2 NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP072008 800 AM PDT WED JUL 16 2008 THE CENTER OF THE DEPRESSION IS ON THE NORTHEASTERN EDGE OF THE CONVECTION. HOWEVER...THE OVERALL PATTERN IS GRADUALLY BECOMING BETTER ORGANIZED AND THE DEPRESSION IS VERY NEAR TROPICAL STORM STRENGTH. SHIPS MODEL CONTINUE TO FORECAST STRONG SHEAR OVER THE DEPRESSION BUT STILL THE ENVIRONMENT FAVORS A SLOW STRENGTHENING AS INDICATED IN THE OFFICIAL FORECAST. THE MID-LEVEL SUBTROPICAL RIDGE WHICH IS CONTROLLING ELIDA'S MOTION IS ALSO STEERING THE DEPRESSION TOWARD THE WEST. SINCE THIS PATTERN IS FORECAST TO PERSIST...A CONTINUED WEST-NORTHWEST TRACK IS INDICATED. THE OFFICIAL FORECAST IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GUIDANCE ENVELOPE AND VERY CLOSE TO THE PREVIOUS FORECAST. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INITIAL 16/1500Z 11.0N 96.9W 30 KT 12HR VT 17/0000Z 11.3N 98.7W 40 KT 24HR VT 17/1200Z 11.7N 101.0W 45 KT 36HR VT 18/0000Z 12.3N 103.3W 50 KT 48HR VT 18/1200Z 13.0N 105.0W 55 KT 72HR VT 19/1200Z 14.5N 108.0W 60 KT 96HR VT 20/1200Z 16.5N 111.0W 65 KT 120HR VT 21/1200Z 18.0N 114.0W 65 KT $$ FORECASTER AVILA