Tropical Storm Philippe strengthened over the Atlantic Ocean east of the Lesser Antilles on Sunday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Philippe was located at latitude 16.8°N and longitude 42.5°W which put it about 1275 miles (2055 km) east of the Lesser Antilles. Philippe was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

Even though Tropical Storm Philippe strengthened on Sunday, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of Philippe’s circulation. Bands in the western half of Tropical Storm Philippe consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. An upper level low over the central Atlantic Ocean was producing westerly winds that were blowing toward the top of Philippe’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Philippe’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Philippe will move through a region marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Philippe will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. However, the upper level low over the central Atlantic will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Philippe could intensify a little on Monday, if the vertical wind shear does not get any stronger. If the wind shear does increase, then Philippe is likely to weaken.

Tropical Storm Philippe will move around the southwestern side of a high pressure system over the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Philippe toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Philippe will pass far to the northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands.