ZCZC MIATCDEP2 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM Hurricane Fernanda Discussion Number 9 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP072023 1100 AM HST Mon Aug 14 2023 Fernanda has been maintaining a well-defined eye some 10 n mi in diameter with very cold surrounding convective cloud tops. The upper-level outflow pattern remains well defined, particularly to the north. Dvorak current intensity estimates from TAFB and SAB remain at 115 kt and objective ADT estimates from UW-CIMSS are also near that value. Thus the intensity estimate is held at 115 kt, i.e. category 4 strength, for this advisory. Although there have been some trochoidal wobbles in the motion, which is fairly common in intense hurricanes, the overall motion continues to be westward or slightly north of westward at a rather slow pace, 6 kt. The mid-level ridge to the north of Fernanda is still rather weak due to the influence of a cutoff low near the California coast. Global model predictions show the ridge becoming better established over the next several days, which should result in some increase in forward speed. In 3-5 days, the shallower and weaker cyclone is likely to be carried on a westward track following the lower-level trade wind flow. The official forecast track is basically an extension of the previous one and remains in good agreement with the simple and corrected dynamical model consensus solutions. Although it is likely that Fernanda has reached its peak intensity, the hurricane should remain in a favorable SST and atmospheric thermodynamic environment until tonight so some additional short-term strengthening is possible. After about 12 hours, the influences of drier air and cooler waters should begin to take their toll, so the official forecast shows a steady weakening trend in 1-4 days. This is in good agreement with the corrected consensus, HCCA, prediction. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 14/2100Z 15.9N 119.0W 115 KT 130 MPH 12H 15/0600Z 16.5N 120.3W 120 KT 140 MPH 24H 15/1800Z 17.2N 122.4W 105 KT 120 MPH 36H 16/0600Z 17.5N 124.8W 85 KT 100 MPH 48H 16/1800Z 17.7N 127.5W 70 KT 80 MPH 60H 17/0600Z 17.9N 130.2W 55 KT 65 MPH 72H 17/1800Z 18.0N 133.0W 40 KT 45 MPH 96H 18/1800Z 18.0N 139.0W 30 KT 35 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 120H 19/1800Z 18.0N 145.0W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW $$ Forecaster Pasch NNNN