ZCZC MIATCDEP1 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM HURRICANE ORLENE DISCUSSION NUMBER 6 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL EP162016 200 AM PDT MON SEP 12 2016 Orlene continues to strength. Satellite images indicate that the relatively compact tropical cyclone has become better organized since the previous advisory with an eye occasionally evident in infrared images. Recent microwave data also indicate that the inner core of the cyclone is better defined. Dvorak classifications from TAFB and SAB were 4.0/65 kt and 4.5/77 kt, respectively, and automated values from CIMSS at the University of Wisconsin are 4.4/75 kt. Based on these data, the initial wind speed is increased to 70 kt, making Orlene a category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Orlene has strengthened at a rapid rate of 35 kt during the past 24 hours. The hurricane is moving northwestward, or 305 degrees, at 8 kt. A trough over the U.S. Pacific northwest is expected to dig southward during the next day or two, causing a significant weakness in the subtropical ridge. This pattern change should cause Orlene to turn northwestward or northward and slow down later today, and the cyclone will likely come to a crawl in the 24-48-hour time period. Beyond that time, the trough is expected to lift out allowing ridging to become re-established to the north of the system. This should result in Orlene moving westward at a faster pace. The models are in good agreement on this scenario, and the NHC track forecast is largely an update of the previous one. Additional strengthening seems likely during the next 24 hours while the hurricane remains over warm water, and in an environment of low wind shear and relatively moist conditions. After that time, a slow weakening should commence due to decreasing relative humidity values and cooler water temperatures, likely aided by cold water upwelling. The NHC intensity forecast is near the high end of the models, in best agreement with the LGEM and Florida State Superensemble guidance, and is slightly higher than the previous one in the short term. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 12/0900Z 17.1N 119.1W 70 KT 80 MPH 12H 12/1800Z 17.7N 119.5W 80 KT 90 MPH 24H 13/0600Z 18.5N 119.7W 90 KT 105 MPH 36H 13/1800Z 19.0N 119.8W 85 KT 100 MPH 48H 14/0600Z 19.2N 120.1W 80 KT 90 MPH 72H 15/0600Z 19.2N 122.2W 70 KT 80 MPH 96H 16/0600Z 18.9N 126.5W 65 KT 75 MPH 120H 17/0600Z 19.0N 131.5W 60 KT 70 MPH $$ Forecaster Cangialosi NNNN