Tropical Depression Six Forms over the Atlantic

Tropical Depression Six formed over the Atlantic Ocean east of the Northern Leeward Islands on Saturday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression Six was located at latitude 16.7°N and longitude 50.2°W which put it about 855 miles (1375 km) east of the Northern Leeward Islands. The tropical depression was moving toward the west-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

A small area of low pressure over the Atlantic Ocean strengthened on Saturday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Six. A distinct low level center of circulation was evident on visible satellite images of Tropical Depression Six. However, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of the tropical depression. Bands in the western side of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. An upper level low east of Bermuda was producing westerly winds that were blowing toward the top of Tropical Depression Six. Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear and the wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Tropical Depression Six will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. The tropical depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. However, the upper level low east of Bermuda will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear. In addition, Tropical Depression Six will move into a region where there is drier air. The strong vertical wind shear and the drier air are likely to prevent Tropical Depression Six from intensifying to a tropical storm. The tropical depression could actually dissipate by early next week.

Tropical Depression Six will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Atlantic Ocean during the next 36 hours. The high pressure system will steer the tropical depression toward the west. On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Six will move toward the Northern Leeward Islands.