000 WTPZ42 KNHC 271457 TCDEP2 TROPICAL STORM MARTY DISCUSSION NUMBER 4 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP172015 1000 AM CDT SUN SEP 27 2015 First-light visible imagery shows that Marty has developed a central dense overcast with a large outer convective band in the eastern semicircle. A recent SSM/IS overpass showed a well-defined convective band, but did not show an eye or eyewall underneath the overcast. Various subjective and objective satellite intensity estimates range from 35 kt to 65 kt, so the initial intensity is raised to 50 kt as a compromise. The cirrus outflow is good to the east but non-existent to the west, likely due to the the effects of 20 kt of westerly vertical shear. Marty remains in a moist airmass and over sea surface temperatures of near 30C. However, all of the dynamical guidance suggests the cyclone should experience increasing shear during the next 72 hours. The guidance is in agreement that Marty should strengthen for another 24 hours or so, followed by significant weakening. Based on this, the new intensity forecast is an update of the previous forecast. However, it should be noted that this is a low confidence forecast due to uncertainty over how much land interaction may occur as Marty approaches the coast of Mexico. The initial motion is 015/6. Marty is located to the west of a mid-level ridge which extends across Central America, and to the south of a deep-layer trough located over Mexico and the southern United States. The cyclone should turn northeastward at a slower forward speed during the next 24-48 hours based on the consensus of the track guidance. After that time, there is some divergence in the guidance. The GFS moves Marty northeastward over Mexico. On the other hand, the ECMWF and UKMET forecast Marty to shear apart, with the low-level center turning westward and remaining offshore. Based on the guidance and the current trends, the new track forecast is similar to the previous forecast in that it keeps Marty offshore through the forecast period. However, it is shifted closer to the coast than the previous forecast. A tropical storm warning may be required for portions of the coast of Mexico later today. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 27/1500Z 14.9N 102.8W 50 KT 60 MPH 12H 28/0000Z 15.4N 102.7W 60 KT 70 MPH 24H 28/1200Z 16.0N 102.2W 65 KT 75 MPH 36H 29/0000Z 16.3N 101.8W 65 KT 75 MPH 48H 29/1200Z 16.7N 101.5W 55 KT 65 MPH 72H 30/1200Z 17.0N 102.0W 40 KT 45 MPH 96H 01/1200Z 17.5N 103.0W 30 KT 35 MPH 120H 02/1200Z 17.0N 104.5W 20 KT 25 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW $$ Forecaster Beven