000 AXNT20 KNHC 281719 TWDAT Tropical Weather Discussion NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL 118 PM EDT Fri Apr 28 2017 Tropical Weather Discussion for North America, Central America Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, northern sections of South America, and Atlantic Ocean to the African coast from the Equator to 32N. The following information is based on satellite imagery, weather observations, radar and meteorological analysis. Based on 1200 UTC surface analysis and satellite imagery through 1715 UTC. ...SPECIAL FEATURES... A 1008 mb surface low is located near 30N24W. Gale-force winds are expected to the north and west of the low for the METEO- FRANCE areas of IRVING and METEOR. These conditions will diminish in 24 hours as the low dissipates. For more details, please refer to the METEO-FRANCE High Seas Forecast product that is listed on the website: WWW.METEOFRANCE.COM /PREVISIONS-METEO-MARINE/BULLETIN/ GRANDLARGE/METAREA2. ...ITCZ/MONSOON TROUGH... The Monsoon Trough remains over Africa. The ITCZ extends from 08N14W to 00N30W to 00N49W. Isolated showers are observed within 150 nm on either side of the ITCZ between 20W-40W. ...DISCUSSION... GULF OF MEXICO... A surface ridge extends across the eastern half of the basin from a high pressure currently centered over the north-central Atlantic. An area of low pressure extends centered over western Texas extends across Mexico and the western half of the Gulf. These features are generating enough pressure gradient to support moderate southerly winds across the basin. No significant convection is observed across the basin at this time. Over the next 24 hours, a strong southerly flow will develop over the western Gulf. CARIBBEAN SEA... The pressure gradient across the basin is supporting moderate to fresh trades over the area, with strongest winds prevailing south of 14N between 70W-77W. A diffluent flow prevails over the northeast Caribbean mainly over Hispaniola and Puerto Rico supporting cloudiness and isolated showers north of 17N and east of 72W. Dry air and subsidence are limiting convection across the remainder of the area. Over the next 24 hours, the showers and thunderstorms will increase over the southwestern Caribbean in response to low level convergence across the area. Otherwise, little change is expected. ...HISPANIOLA... A diffluent flow aloft prevails across the island supporting cloudiness and isolated showers. Scattered moderate convection is expected to develop in afternoon and evening hours. Similar scenario is expected during the next 24 hours. ATLANTIC OCEAN... A broad area of high pressure prevails across the basin centered near 39N46W. An upper-level trough with axis extending in diagonal from 31N60W to 25N74W is enhancing convection in this area affecting also the northwest Caribbean. To the east, a 1008 mb surface low is centered near 30N24W. Please refer to the section above fro more information about this feature and the Gale Warning currently in effect. For additional information please visit http://www.hurricanes.gov/marine $$ ERA