000 WTPZ42 KNHC 220246 TCDEP2 TROPICAL STORM LOWELL DISCUSSION NUMBER 17 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP122014 800 PM PDT THU AUG 21 2014 Lowell as now weakening as about half of the circulation is over sea surface temperatures of 26C or colder. While microwave imagery continues to show a 75 n mi wide eye, the eyewall convection has warmed and become asymmetric. Satellite intensity estimates are now 55 kt from TAFB and 65 kt from SAB. The initial intensity is therefore decreased to 60 kt. The storm is now moving 325/5. The track forecast reasoning remains unchanged, as Lowell should move a little faster toward the northwest due to a ridge rebuilding to the east and north of the cyclone. Late in the period a shallower Lowell should be steered more toward the west-northwest by the low-level ridge to the north. There is no significant change to the track guidance since the last advisory, and the new forecast track lies close to the previous track and near the center of the guidance envelope. Lowell is expected to remain in a light shear environment for the next few days, with the intensity being controlled by decreasing sea surface temperatures along the forecast track. The new intensity forecast is an update of the previous forecast and calls for Lowell to become a remnant low in about 72 hours. It is possible that the associated convection could dissipate earlier than currently forecast, with Lowell briefly becoming a gale-force post-tropical low. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 22/0300Z 20.9N 122.8W 60 KT 70 MPH 12H 22/1200Z 21.7N 123.8W 55 KT 65 MPH 24H 23/0000Z 22.8N 125.3W 50 KT 60 MPH 36H 23/1200Z 23.9N 126.7W 45 KT 50 MPH 48H 24/0000Z 25.0N 128.0W 40 KT 45 MPH 72H 25/0000Z 26.5N 130.5W 30 KT 35 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 96H 26/0000Z 28.5N 133.5W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 120H 27/0000Z 30.0N 137.5W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW $$ Forecaster Beven