ZCZC MIATCDEP3 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM Tropical Storm Calvin Discussion Number 5 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP032023 1100 AM HST Wed Jul 12 2023 Tropical Storm Calvin continues to strengthen this morning, with an improved structure on hi-res GOES visible satellite imagery. A curved band is beginning to wrap around the center, however, the band has not yet completely filled in around the northern side. Subjective satellite Dvorak estimates from TAFB and SAB were T3.5/55 kt and T3.0/45 kt, respectively, while the latest objective estimates from SATCON and ADT are higher than 55 kt. Given the improved structure on satellite, the initial intensity is raised to 55 kt for this advisory based on a blend of the various intensity estimates. Calvin is in a conducive environment for strengthening, with light-to-moderate vertical wind shear, and warm sea surface temperatures. Steady strengthening is forecast the next several days, with Calvin potentially becoming a hurricane later tonight. Rapid intensification (RI) guidance has increased on this cycle and now shows a roughly 3-in-10 chance for RI to occur during the next 24 hours. Therefore, the NHC intensity forecast is near the upper end of the guidance, and the peak intensity has been slightly raised from the previous forecast. By the weekend, Calvin is expected to cross over cooler SSTs which will likely cause gradual weakening through the remainder of the forecast period. Calvin is moving westward or 275/15 kt. A strong ridge located to the north of Calvin will continue to steer the cyclone westward to west-northwestward throughout the forecast period. Model guidance is in fairly good agreement with the track--the main difference is the forward speed of Calvin with some models moving the storm a little faster (particularly HCCA). The updated NHC track forecast lies near the center of the guidance envelope, but is a little on the faster side of forecast ensembles. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 12/2100Z 12.8N 113.8W 55 KT 65 MPH 12H 13/0600Z 12.9N 115.9W 65 KT 75 MPH 24H 13/1800Z 13.1N 118.6W 75 KT 85 MPH 36H 14/0600Z 13.6N 121.3W 85 KT 100 MPH 48H 14/1800Z 14.3N 124.3W 85 KT 100 MPH 60H 15/0600Z 14.9N 127.3W 80 KT 90 MPH 72H 15/1800Z 15.6N 130.4W 75 KT 85 MPH 96H 16/1800Z 16.8N 136.7W 60 KT 70 MPH 120H 17/1800Z 17.8N 143.7W 50 KT 60 MPH $$ Forecaster Kelly/Berg NNNN