Tropical Storm Dalila developed southwest of Baja California on Tuesday morning.  More thunderstorms formed to the south of the center of former Tropical Depression Five-E and the circulation produced wind speeds to tropical storm force.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Dalila was located at latitude 18.7°N and longitude 117.7°W which put it about 580 miles (935 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Dalila was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

Although Tropical Storm Dalila did have a definite low level center of circulation, the center was relatively broad.  In addition, most of the stronger thunderstorms were occurring south of the center of circulation.  Bands in other parts of the tropical storm consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Dalila was moving southwest of a large upper level high pressure system over the western U.S. and Mexico.  Clockwise flow around the high was producing northeasterly winds which were blowing toward the top of Tropical Storm Dalila.  Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and they were a major reason for the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms in the southern part of the tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Dalila will move into an environment that will become increasingly unfavorable for intensification.  The upper level high will continue to produce wind shear which will inhibit strengthening.  Dalila is currently over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 26°C, but it will move over colder water during the next several days.  Dalila could maintain tropical storm intensity for another 12 to 24 hours, but it is likely to weaken during the next several days.

Tropical Storm Dalila will continue to move around the southwestern part of the upper level high over the western U.S. and Mexico.  The high will steer Dalila toward the northwest during the next 12 to 24 hours.  When the remaining stronger thunderstorms weaken, Tropical Storm Dalila will be steered by winds at lower levels in the atmosphere and those winds should steer it more toward the west.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Dalila will weaken while it moves farther over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.