ZCZC HFOTCDCP3 ALL TTAA00 PHFO DDHHMM Tropical Storm Greg Discussion Number 7 NWS Central Pacific Hurricane Center Honolulu HI EP082023 500 AM HST Tue Aug 15 2023 Deep convection has increased over the center of the system during the past few hours, which is a result of the persistent east- southeasterly shear over the past 12 to 18 h easing. Recent microwave data from AMSR2 (1137 UTC) showed evidence of an inner core that has developed, which has improved from previous microwave data. Based on the microwave data and the 12 UTC subjective Dvorak intensity estimates ranging from 35 to 45 kt between PHFO, SAB, AND JTWC, the initial intensity is held at 45 kt. The initial motion for this advisory remains at 270/12 kt, as Greg continues to move south of the subtropical ridge. Greg is forecast to gradually turn west-northwestward through the day today while being steered by a mid- to upper-level ridge to the north, which will persist through late Wednesday. Thereafter, a gradual turn to the west-southwest is forecast as the weakening system becomes steered by the low- to mid-level flow. This forecast track is very similar to the previous forecast, and shows Greg passing well south of the Hawaiian Islands Wednesday night through Thursday night. This forecast track closely follows a combination of the previous forecast, HCCA, and TVCE. The tropical storm has a brief window to intensify over the next 36 h as it tracks over warm SSTs (27-28C) and remains in a relatively moist environment with minimal shear. Therefore, the forecast depicts some strengthening within the initial 36 h, which is supported by the latest intensity consensus aids. Beyond that, drier mid-level air along with the potential for a slight increase in shear and cooler waters should result in a weakening trend, with Greg becoming post-tropical on day 4. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 15/1500Z 11.1N 145.9W 45 KT 50 MPH 12H 16/0000Z 11.4N 147.6W 50 KT 60 MPH 24H 16/1200Z 11.9N 150.1W 50 KT 60 MPH 36H 17/0000Z 12.4N 152.6W 55 KT 65 MPH 48H 17/1200Z 12.6N 155.0W 50 KT 60 MPH 60H 18/0000Z 12.4N 157.5W 45 KT 50 MPH 72H 18/1200Z 12.1N 160.2W 40 KT 45 MPH 96H 19/1200Z 11.3N 165.3W 30 KT 35 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 120H 20/1200Z...DISSIPATED $$ Forecaster Gibbs/Jelsema NNNN