ZCZC MIATCDEP2 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM Tropical Storm Bud Discussion Number 6 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP022024 200 PM PDT Thu Jul 25 2024 Satellite imagery indicates that Bud continues to maintain its intensity. The vertical wind shear has clearly weakened over the past day or so, as a pair of recent 1659 and 1753 UTC ASCAT passes indicate that the center is well embedded underneath the central convective area. Based on the ASCAT data and the latest satellite intensity estimates, the intensity is held at 50 kt for this advisory. A low- to mid-level ridge located to the north of Bud will steer the cyclone generally westward at a similar forward speed for the next 24 h. As the cyclone weakens and becomes shallower, it should turn towards the west-southwest and decelerate. The new NHC forecast has again been adjusted a bit to the north and faster to the west, following the trend in the guidance, but the NHC forecast is still to the southeast of the latest consensus models. As Bud traverses sea-surface temperatures of around 27C over the next day or two, the vertical wind shear should remain relatively low. The SHIPS guidance suggests that Bud is moving into a stable airmass, which should cause the cyclone to begin weakening by tonight or on Friday. No significant changes have been made to the previous NHC intensity forecast, which still lies near the intensity consensus, above the weaker dynamical model guidance, and below the stronger statistical guidance. Bud is forecast to become a remnant low on Saturday and dissipate on Sunday. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 25/2100Z 18.4N 117.0W 50 KT 60 MPH 12H 26/0600Z 18.6N 118.5W 45 KT 50 MPH 24H 26/1800Z 18.7N 120.2W 40 KT 45 MPH 36H 27/0600Z 18.6N 121.8W 35 KT 40 MPH 48H 27/1800Z 18.4N 122.9W 30 KT 35 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 60H 28/0600Z 18.1N 124.1W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 72H 28/1800Z...DISSIPATED $$ Forecaster Hagen/Berg NNNN