Tropical Depression Fourteen-E Forms Southwest of Mexico

Tropical Depression Fourteen-E formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Mexico on Wednesday morning.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression Fourteen-E was located at latitude 23.1°N and longitude 106.1°W which put the center about 490 miles (790 km) west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico.  The tropical depression was moving toward the northeast at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Mexico strengthened on Wednesday morning and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Fourteen-E.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of the tropical depression.  More thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of the depression’s circulation.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.

Tropical Depression Fourteen-E will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The tropical depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough west of Baja California.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of the depression’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent some intensification.  Tropical Depression Fourteen-E could intensify to a tropical storm during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Depression Fourteen-E will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean west of Mexico.  The high pressure system will strengthen during the next 24 hours.  When the high pressure system strengthens it will push the tropical depression toward the southeast.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Fourteen-E will remain west of Mexico during the next several days.