Tropical Cyclone Sean continued to weaken steadily on Wednesday. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Sean was located at latitude 28.5°S and longitude 107.4°E which put the center about 440 miles (740 km) west of Geraldton, Australia. Sean was moving toward the south-southeast at 4 m.p.h. (6 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.
The effects of cooler Sea Surface Temperatures and strong vertical wind shear caused Tropical Cyclone Sean to continue to weaken on Wednesday. An upper level trough over the South Indian Ocean west of Australia was producing strong northwesterly winds that were blowing across the top of Sean’s circulation. Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear. The strong upper level winds also blew the tops off of thunderstorms that had been in the southeastern part of Tropical Cyclone Sean. Bands revolving around the center of Sean’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.
Winds to tropical storm force extended out 130 miles (210 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Sean.
Tropical Cyclone Sean will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Sean will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 24°C. It will move under the eastern part of the upper level trough over the South Indian Ocean. The upper level trough will continue to produce strong northwesterly winds are that will blow toward the top of Sean’s circulation. Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear. The combination of cooler water and strong vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Cyclone Sean to continue to weaken during the next 24 hours.
Tropical Cyclone Sean will move around the western part of a high pressure system over Australia. The high pressure system will steer Sean toward the south-southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Sean will move parallel to the coast of Western Australia.