ZCZC MIATCDEP4 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM TROPICAL DEPRESSION FOUR-E DISCUSSION NUMBER 6 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP042016 900 PM MDT THU JUL 07 2016 Satellite imagery indicate that the low-level circulation associated with the depression has become larger and better defined, however the convection near the center is minimal. Most of the thunderstorm activity is occurring in bands well to the north and southeast of the center. There are no reasons to change the initial intensity of 30 kt, and this estimate is probably on the high side since the Dvorak T-numbers are steady or lower tonight. The depression has failed to strengthen likely due to the upwelling left by Hurricane Blas, and this possibility has been taken into consideration in previous NHC forecasts. Since most of the other environmental parameters are favorable for intensification, the NHC forecast still calls for such a process to begin on Friday. More significant strengthening is anticipated beyond 48 hours, although the NHC forecast is not as aggressive as the SHIPS models. The overall circulation has been moving very little, and in fact it has been drifting westward at only 2 kt. This could be the result of the center rotating around a larger circulation. Nevertheless, the cyclone is south of a strong subtropical ridge which is forecast to amplify by most of the global models. This forecast pattern favors a faster westward motion for the next 3 to 4 days with a gradual turn to the west-northwest as the system reaches the southwestern edge of the ridge. The NHC forecast is not very different from the previous one, and deviates very little from the multi-model consensus. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 08/0300Z 12.3N 111.7W 30 KT 35 MPH 12H 08/1200Z 12.5N 112.8W 30 KT 35 MPH 24H 09/0000Z 12.8N 114.4W 35 KT 40 MPH 36H 09/1200Z 12.9N 116.2W 45 KT 50 MPH 48H 10/0000Z 13.0N 118.0W 55 KT 65 MPH 72H 11/0000Z 13.0N 122.0W 75 KT 85 MPH 96H 12/0000Z 14.0N 126.5W 85 KT 100 MPH 120H 13/0000Z 16.0N 130.0W 85 KT 100 MPH $$ Forecaster Avila NNNN