ZCZC MIATCDEP5 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM CCA TROPICAL DEPRESSION FIVE-E DISCUSSION NUMBER 1...CORRECTED NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP052015 1000 AM CDT SAT JUL 11 2015 Corrected for AWIPS header. Satellite images indicate that the low pressure system located a few hundred miles south-southeast of Acapulco, Mexico now meets the criteria to be classified as a tropical depression, the fifth one of the 2015 eastern North Pacific season. The initial intensity estimate is set at 30 kt. The depression is producing a considerable amount of deep convection mainly to the north of the estimated low-level center with some of the outer rain bands already affecting the coast of southern Mexico. Warm water, high moisture, and decreasing shear should allow the depression to steadily strengthen during the next several days. In fact, the SHIPS Rapid Intensification Index shows a 50hance of the depression strengthening 25 kt during the next 24 hours. On the other hand, the GFDL/HWRF pair are not very aggressive. The official intensity forecast prefers the SHIPS solution, and lies at the high end of the guidance. The initial motion estimate is 300/11, but this is fairly uncertain due to the difficulty in locating the low-level center. A motion toward the west-northwest to northwest at about 10 kt is predicted for the next couple of days while the cyclone is steered by a large subtropical ridge centered over the south-central United States. A decrease in forward speed is expected by early next week when the ridge weakens. Although there is some spread in the models, they agree on this general trend and the official track forecast is the middle of the guidance envelope. This forecast keeps the core of the cyclone offshore of Mexico, but a small deviation to the north of this track could bring tropical storm conditions to the coast. Interests along the southern and southwestern coast of Mexico should monitor the progress of this system since watches or warnings could be required. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 11/1500Z 13.2N 98.9W 30 KT 35 MPH 12H 12/0000Z 14.0N 100.6W 35 KT 40 MPH 24H 12/1200Z 15.4N 102.7W 40 KT 45 MPH 36H 13/0000Z 16.6N 104.6W 45 KT 50 MPH 48H 13/1200Z 17.6N 106.2W 55 KT 65 MPH 72H 14/1200Z 18.9N 108.2W 65 KT 75 MPH 96H 15/1200Z 19.9N 110.0W 70 KT 80 MPH 120H 16/1200Z 20.4N 111.8W 75 KT 85 MPH $$ Forecaster Cangialosi NNNN