Hurricane Odalys Forecast Discussion
|
Español: Aviso Publico Discusión |
716 WTPZ41 KNHC 242034 TCDEP1 Hurricane Odalys Discussion Number 19 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP162026 200 PM PDT Thu Sep 24 2026 There are hints of a ragged eye feature in recent visible satellite images of Odalys. A 1735 UTC 89 GHz GMI image of the hurricane showed a mostly closed mid-level eyewall, although convection was a bit thin on the west side due to moderate westerly shear. The various UW-CIMSS objective satellite intensity estimates range from 71-84 kt. The initial intensity is held at 80 kt, in best agreement with recent D-MINT and SATCON estimates. Odalys is moving east-northeastward (060/7 kt) while being steered by a mid- to upper-level trough to its northwest. The models generally agree that the hurricane should gradually turn toward the northeast and north over the next couple of days. There was a westward shift in the guidance envelope through the first 2-3 days of the forecast, and the NHC prediction was adjusted accordingly. The long-range track forecast is challenging, with Odalys forecast to become increasingly shallow while weakening and also possibly being influenced by the outer circulation of Hurricane Polo. The model spread greatly increases at 72-120 h, but the general signal is for a slower forward speed and a southward component of motion at days 3-5. The NHC forecast was nudged west of the previous one at these times, falling in between the latest TVCN and HCCA aids. In the near term, small intensity fluctuations are possible as the improved structure of Odalys could allow for a little strengthening despite moderate shear and the potential for intrusion of drier air from the west. The latest intensity guidance shows little change during this period, and the NHC forecast follows suit. After 36 h, a faster rate of weakening is forecast based on an expected increase in shear, as well as decreasing SSTs along the forecast track. These conditions will likely make it difficult for Odalys to sustain organized convection later this weekend, and the updated forecast shows Odalys as a post-tropical cyclone at 72 h based on the latest GFS and ECMWF simulated satellite imagery. Moisture from both Odalys and Polo will be carried a long distance into the southwestern U.S. this weekend and early next week, and may indirectly contribute to a heavy rainfall and flash flood threat in the region. See products issued by the Weather Prediction Center for more information. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 24/2100Z 16.8N 124.9W 80 KT 90 MPH 12H 25/0600Z 17.4N 124.1W 85 KT 100 MPH 24H 25/1800Z 18.2N 123.5W 80 KT 90 MPH 36H 26/0600Z 19.2N 123.2W 70 KT 80 MPH 48H 26/1800Z 20.4N 123.1W 60 KT 70 MPH 60H 27/0600Z 21.6N 122.9W 50 KT 60 MPH 72H 27/1800Z 22.4N 122.7W 40 KT 45 MPH...POST-TROPICAL 96H 28/1800Z 22.4N 122.0W 30 KT 35 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 120H 29/1800Z 20.6N 121.5W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW $$ Forecaster Reinhart