Tropical Depression Terry Churns West

Tropical Depression Terry churned westward over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean on Wednesday. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression Terry was located at latitude 11.7°N and longitude 116.9°W which put it about 900 miles (1450 km) south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Terry was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1008 mb.

The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Depression Terry was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Terry’s circulation. Bands in the northern half of the tropical depression consisted of showers and lower clouds. Sinking drier air was being pulled into the northern side of Tropical Depression Terry. The drier air was inhibiting the formation of thunderstorms in that part of the circulation. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.

Tropical Depression Terry will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Terry will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Drier air near the northern side of Terry’s circulation could continue to inhibit the develop of thunderstorms in that part of the tropical depression. Tropical Depression Terry is likely to maintain its intensity during the next 24 hours. Terry could strengthen if more thunderstorms develop near the center of circulation.

Tropical Depression Terry will move south of a surface high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean during the next few days. The high pressure system will steer Terry toward the west. On its anticipated track Tropical Depression Terry will continue to move farther away from Mexico.