000 WTPZ42 KNHC 191449 TCDEP2 HURRICANE PAINE DISCUSSION NUMBER 7 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP172016 800 AM PDT MON SEP 19 2016 A 1008Z SSMI microwave pass showed that an impressive complete eyewall structure has developed in Paine. While the eye is not yet apparent in the standard infrared imagery, a transient eye has been seen in the shortwave infrared pictures. Subjective Dvorak, ADT, and AMSU intensity estimates have risen and now range from 65 to 85 kt. A blend of these give an initial intensity of 75 kt. Despite the very rapid intensification observed in Paine - 40 kt in 24 hours - it is likely that the hurricane is at or very near its peak intensity. Its forecast track takes it over quite cold water in just a day at the same time that the southwesterly vertical shear become moderate to high. Thus the NHC intensity forecast shows steady weakening until Paine becomes a remnant low in 48 hours or sooner. This forecast is based upon a blend of the LGEM statistical scheme and the GFDL and COAMPS dynamical models, and is nearly the same as that from the previous advisory, despite the higher initial intensity. Paine is moving toward the northwest at 13 kt, as it is being steered between a deep-layer ridge to its northeast and an upper-level cut-off-low to its northwest. The tropical cyclone should recurve to the north in about a day and then decelerate as it encounters a weak low-level steering flow just west of northern Baja California. The NHC track forecast is based upon the tightly clustered members of the TVCN multi-model track consensus and is slightly faster than the previous advisory. Deep-layer moisture associated with Paine or its remnants is expected to spread over portions of the northern Baja California peninsula of Mexico and the southwestern United States during the next day or two. This could enhance the rainfall potential in these areas. Even though the official forecast does not have Paine making landfall as a tropical storm, the system will move close enough to the west coast of Baja California that tropical-storm-force winds are possible. Thus the Government of Mexico has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for portions of the northwestern Baja California peninsula. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 19/1500Z 22.0N 115.4W 75 KT 85 MPH 12H 20/0000Z 23.7N 116.4W 70 KT 80 MPH 24H 20/1200Z 26.1N 116.8W 55 KT 65 MPH 36H 21/0000Z 28.3N 116.7W 40 KT 45 MPH 48H 21/1200Z 29.9N 116.1W 30 KT 35 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 72H 22/1200Z...DISSIPATED $$ Forecaster Landsea/Stewart