ZCZC MIATCDEP3 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM TROPICAL STORM CARLOS DISCUSSION NUMBER 11 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP032015 400 AM CDT SAT JUN 13 2015 The overall structure of the cloud pattern has changed very little during the past several hours. One can still observe an intermittent ring of convection associated with the center of the cyclone on the Acapulco radar. However, Dvorak T-numbers and data from a recent ASCAT pass suggest that the winds are now up to 55 kt. The moderate northeasterly shear which is affecting the storm should begin to decrease in about 24 hours, allowing some strengthening. Although Carlos is forecast to be over relatively warm waters in 72 hours, but the shear will likely increase again. Consequently, most of the guidance weaken the cyclone after that time, and this is reflected in the NHC forecast. Carlos has been meandering for the past 24 hours or so, but it appears that it now moving toward the northwest or 315 degrees at 2 kt. Most of the global guidance show a ridge building over Mexico, and this pattern should steer Carlos slowly toward the northwest or west-northwest nearly parallel to the coast of Mexico during the next 3 days. After that time, a weakness in the ridge over the Baja California peninsula should allow Carlos to move on a more north-northwesterly track. The NHC forecast is similar to the previous one, and is in the middle of the guidance envelope. It is, however, a little bit to the left of the GFS/ECMWF consensus beyond 72 hours. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 13/0900Z 14.8N 100.2W 55 KT 65 MPH 12H 13/1800Z 15.1N 100.4W 55 KT 65 MPH 24H 14/0600Z 15.5N 101.0W 55 KT 65 MPH 36H 14/1800Z 16.0N 102.0W 60 KT 70 MPH 48H 15/0600Z 16.5N 103.0W 65 KT 75 MPH 72H 16/0600Z 17.8N 105.0W 65 KT 75 MPH 96H 17/0600Z 20.0N 106.3W 55 KT 65 MPH 120H 18/0600Z 21.5N 107.5W 45 KT 50 MPH $$ Forecaster Avila NNNN