ZCZC MIATCDEP5 ALL TTAA00 KNHC DDHHMM Hurricane Dora Discussion Number 24 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP052023 1100 PM HST Sat Aug 05 2023 Satellite images indicate Dora still has the classic structure of a well-organized hurricane with a clear eye. The initial intensity is held at 125 kt, which is closest to SAB and TAFB final T-numbers of T6.5/127 kt. Dora has maintained its westward heading at a slightly faster 18 kt. The track forecast reasoning is unchanged. A building ridge to the north of the hurricane will steer Dora to the west at a similar speed for the next several days, keeping it well south of Hawaii. The latest track forecast is very close to the previous prediction with only minor updates. The storm is currently in an environment of light vertical wind shear, over relatively warm waters, and still exhibiting annular structural characteristics. Global models forecast Dora to move into a drier environment early next week and the wind shear is expected to increase by the end of the forecast period. Therefore, gradual weakening is predicted, though the intensity forecast is on the higher end of the guidance. As stated in the previous discussion, intensity fluctuations are possible given the storm's small size and structure. The NHC intensity forecast is quite similar to the previous prediction. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 06/0900Z 13.1N 138.3W 125 KT 145 MPH 12H 06/1800Z 13.0N 140.9W 120 KT 140 MPH 24H 07/0600Z 12.8N 144.6W 115 KT 130 MPH 36H 07/1800Z 12.6N 148.4W 105 KT 120 MPH 48H 08/0600Z 12.5N 152.1W 100 KT 115 MPH 60H 08/1800Z 12.4N 155.9W 90 KT 105 MPH 72H 09/0600Z 12.5N 159.7W 85 KT 100 MPH 96H 10/0600Z 13.1N 167.4W 80 KT 90 MPH 120H 11/0600Z 14.6N 174.4W 75 KT 85 MPH $$ Forecaster Bucci NNNN