Tropical Storm Philippe churned westward over the Atlantic Ocean east of the Leeward Islands on Monday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Philippe was located at latitude 17.6°N and longitude 47.8°W which put it about 1005 miles (1620 km) east of the Northern Leeward Islands. 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 1001 mb.

Tropical Storm Philippe was affected by strong vertical wind shear on Monday. 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 strong vertical wind shear. The wind shear was causing the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Philippe to be asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of Philippe’s circulation. Bands near the center of Tropical Storm Philippe and in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. The distribution of wind speeds was also asymmetrical. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 170 miles (275 km) in the eastern side of Philippe’s circulation. Tropical storm force winds only extended out 60 miles in the western side of Philippe.

Tropical Storm Philippe will move through a region unfavorable 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 strong vertical wind shear. The strong wind shear is likely to cause Tropical Storm Philippe to weaken on Tuesday.

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 could be northeast of the Northern Leeward Islands by the end of the week.