ZCZC MIATCDEP3 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM Hurricane Douglas Discussion Number 11 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP082020 500 PM HST Wed Jul 22 2020 Douglas's cloud pattern has improved quickly since the last advisory, with an eye becoming more distinct within an area of cold cloud tops and expanding outflow in all quadrants. The initial intensity has been increased to 85 kt. This is in agreement with the latest SATCON estimate and a blend of the latest ADT and SATCON estimates. The hurricane has another 24 hours or so over SSTs above 28C with very low vertical shear, and rapid intensification appears to be underway. Given the current satellite trends and the SHIPS RII showing a 50 percent chance of a 30-kt intensity increase in 24 h, the NHC forecast has been increased above the guidance in the short term, showing the system peaking at 110 kt in 24 h, although timing the peak intensity during rapid strengthening is quite difficult. By 36 h, SSTs cool along the forecast track but the shear remains low, which should result in gradual weakening. Late in the period, an increase in shear and a drier airmass should result in continued gradual weakening. Douglas is expected to be at or near hurricane intensity as it approaches the Hawaiian Islands on Sunday, and all interests there should monitor forecasts as they evolve over the next few days. The initial motion estimate is now toward the west-northwest or 285/15. Douglas should continue on a general west-northwestward motion for the next 72 hours under the influence of an expansive mid-level ridge extending across much of the central and eastern North Pacific. The track will turn more toward the west late in the period as Douglas moves near the Hawaiian Islands. The new NHC track forecast is very close to the previous one and lies near the middle of the guidance envelope close to the TVCE multi-model consensus. Key Messages: 1. Douglas is expected to move near or over portions of the Hawaiian Islands this weekend, and there is an increasing chance that strong winds and heavy rainfall could affect portions of the state beginning on Sunday. Interests on the Hawaiian Islands should continue to monitor the progress of Douglas and the official forecasts as they evolve over the next few days. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 23/0300Z 12.5N 132.6W 85 KT 100 MPH 12H 23/1200Z 13.4N 134.7W 100 KT 115 MPH 24H 24/0000Z 14.6N 137.7W 110 KT 125 MPH 36H 24/1200Z 15.9N 140.8W 105 KT 120 MPH 48H 25/0000Z 17.1N 143.9W 90 KT 105 MPH 60H 25/1200Z 18.2N 146.9W 80 KT 90 MPH 72H 26/0000Z 19.2N 149.9W 70 KT 80 MPH 96H 27/0000Z 20.3N 155.5W 60 KT 70 MPH 120H 28/0000Z 21.0N 162.0W 50 KT 60 MPH $$ Forecaster Brennan NNNN