ZCZC MIATCDEP4 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM TROPICAL DEPRESSION NINETEEN-E DISCUSSION NUMBER 1 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP192015 800 PM PDT WED OCT 14 2015 Satellite images indicate that the low pressure system located about 1000 miles south-southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula has become better organized. The cloud pattern consists of a large curved band on its western side and a central dense overcast feature. In addition, a partial ASCAT pass from earlier today suggested that the center of circulation has become better defined. On this basis, this system is classified as a tropical depression, the nineteenth one of the 2015 eastern North Pacific season. The initial wind speed is set at 30 kt, following a Dvorak intensity estimate from TAFB and the earlier ASCAT data. The depression is moving just south of due west at about 16 kt steered by a subtropical ridge to its north. A general westward motion with a decrease in forward speed is expected during the next few days while the ridge remains in place but weakens. After that time, a turn to the northwest is predicted as the cyclone moves toward a weakness in the ridge caused by a mid- to upper-level trough. The model guidance is in fair agreement, and the official track forecast lies near the consensus aids. Low wind shear, warm water, and a fairly moist environment should allow the system to strengthen during the next several days. The SHIPS and LGEM models show significant strengthening, bringing the system to hurricane strength within 48 hours with continued intensification thereafter. The official forecast is less aggressive than those models, but still does call for the depression to strengthen steadily for the next few days. This forecast is between the dynamical and statistical guidance, and a little lower than the intensity model consensus. It is interesting to note that the GFS and ECMWF models also show the system deepening significantly toward the end of the forecast period. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 15/0300Z 9.9N 117.8W 30 KT 35 MPH 12H 15/1200Z 9.7N 120.0W 35 KT 40 MPH 24H 16/0000Z 9.5N 122.4W 40 KT 45 MPH 36H 16/1200Z 9.5N 124.8W 45 KT 50 MPH 48H 17/0000Z 9.6N 126.9W 55 KT 65 MPH 72H 18/0000Z 10.0N 130.0W 70 KT 80 MPH 96H 19/0000Z 11.4N 132.7W 85 KT 100 MPH 120H 20/0000Z 13.5N 135.0W 85 KT 100 MPH $$ Forecaster Cangialosi NNNN