ZCZC MIATCDEP2 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM Tropical Storm Lowell Discussion Number 14 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP172020 500 PM HST Wed Sep 23 2020 A band of deep convection continues over the eastern portion of Lowell's circulation, however visible satellite imagery and a 2318 UTC SSMI microwave overpass indicate that the center is exposed to the west of that band. Subjective and objective satellite intensity estimates have decreased and a blend those yields an initial wind of 40 kt, which is used for this advisory. The moderate northwesterly shear that is currently plaguing Lowell is not expected to abate much, so little overall change in strength in anticipated through early Thursday. After that time, gradually decreasing sea surface temperatures and a drier and more stable air mass is predicted to result in gradual weakening. Increasing westerly shear in about 48 hours should be too much for the tropical cyclone, and Lowell is expected to degenerate into a remnant low in 60-72 hours. The updated NHC intensity forecast is a little below the IVCN intensity consensus and favors the slightly lower statistical guidance. The initial motion estimate is still west-northwestward or 285/10 kt. A large deep-layer subtropical ridge to the north and northeast of Lowell is forecast to build westward during the next few days. This synoptic pattern should cause Lowell to turn westward overnight and then continue on a generally westward heading for the next several days. There are still some forward speed (along-track) differences among the various dynamical models, but the NHC track again uses a blend of the various consensus aids, which typically is the best approach when those longer-range differences are noted. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 24/0300Z 21.0N 122.7W 40 KT 45 MPH 12H 24/1200Z 21.3N 124.2W 40 KT 45 MPH 24H 25/0000Z 21.6N 126.2W 35 KT 40 MPH 36H 25/1200Z 21.7N 128.4W 35 KT 40 MPH 48H 26/0000Z 21.7N 130.6W 30 KT 35 MPH 60H 26/1200Z 21.6N 132.9W 30 KT 35 MPH 72H 27/0000Z 21.5N 135.4W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 96H 28/0000Z 21.4N 140.5W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 120H 29/0000Z 21.8N 145.2W 20 KT 25 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW $$ Forecaster Brown NNNN