ZCZC MIATCDEP3 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM Tropical Depression Three-E Discussion Number 2 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP032023 900 PM MDT Tue Jul 11 2023 Deep convection associated with Tropical-Depression Three-E has become a bit more concentrated near and west of the center since the last advisory. However, at this time most subjective and objective satellite intensity estimates are near 30 kt, so the system remains a depression. The initial motion is now westward or 280/15 kt. A strong low- to mid-level ridge to the north of the cyclone is expected to steer it generally westward at a quick forward speed for the next 2-3 days, followed by a west-northwestward motion from 72-120 h. The track guidance is fairly tightly clustered, and the new forecast track is similar to the previous track and the various consensus models. The cyclone is in an environment of light to moderate shear, abundant moisture, and warm sea-surface temperatures, and current indications are that these conditions should continue for the next 60-72 h. This should allow steady strengthening, with the system reaching hurricane strength in about 48 h. It should be noted that while this environment may allow rapid strengthening, none of the rapid intensification indices of the SHIPS model are currently bullish on this possibility. After 72 h, the cyclone should move over cooler sea surface temperatures and into a drier air mass, and this combination should cause weakening. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 12/0300Z 12.6N 109.4W 30 KT 35 MPH 12H 12/1200Z 12.8N 111.7W 35 KT 40 MPH 24H 13/0000Z 12.9N 114.5W 45 KT 50 MPH 36H 13/1200Z 13.0N 117.3W 55 KT 65 MPH 48H 14/0000Z 13.4N 120.1W 65 KT 75 MPH 60H 14/1200Z 13.9N 123.1W 70 KT 80 MPH 72H 15/0000Z 14.6N 126.0W 75 KT 85 MPH 96H 16/0000Z 16.0N 132.5W 70 KT 80 MPH 120H 17/0000Z 17.0N 138.5W 55 KT 65 MPH $$ Forecaster Beven NNNN