Tropical Cyclone Discussion
Issued by NWS
Issued by NWS
358 WTPA44 PHFO 101434 TCDCP4 Tropical Storm Lowell Discussion Number 58 NWS Central Pacific Hurricane Center Honolulu HI EP122026 Issued by NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL 500 AM HST Thu Sep 10 2026 Infrared satellite imagery over the last several hours suggests that the convection over Lowell`s northeastern quadrant is degrading. Lowell`s low-level center is also becoming increasingly displaced from this convection. The last subjective Dvorak intensity estimates from HFO and JTWC both rated Lowell at 2.0/2.0 or 30 kt, however scatterometer data from 0700 UTC depicted max winds closer to 55 kt. With Lowell`s convection decreasing, the initial intensity was lowered slightly to 50 kt. The initial motion was estimated at 270/13 kt. Lowell`s westward motion continues to be steered by a mid-level high centered to its north-northeast. Heading into the weekend, Lowell is forecast to turn northwestward as it interacts with a cutoff low over the north-central Pacific. After which, the storm will become wedged between two mid-level highs, greatly inhibiting its forward motion. The track models exhibit a wide spread in Lowell`s motion beyond 36 h, with global models suggesting that the storm will more or less remain stationary over the open central Pacific when it is caught between the aforementioned mid-level highs. Because of this, little was changed in the official track forecast, save for minor leftward adjustments within the first 36 h given Lowell`s due westward initial motion. Lowell is expected to remain in a hostile environment characterized by moderate vertical wind shear, dry mid-level air, and marginal SSTs. In fact, simulated satellite imagery from the GFS and the ECMWF suggest that Lowell could become post-tropical within the next 24 h. The main complication, however, is that Lowell interacting with the aforementioned cutoff low could work to re-invigorate convection heading into the weekend. Because of this, forecasting Lowell`s intensity and post-tropical transition is difficult, as the storm`s environment favors steady weakening, but another flare-up of convection from this cutoff low could keep the intensity steady through the weekend. Therefore, Lowell`s intensity forecast was kept relatively steady through the first 48 h, followed by weakening late this weekend into early next week. Lowell is ultimately anticipated to dissipate after interacting with a frontal system early next week. KEY MESSAGES: 1. Post-storm safety: Follow advice of local officials and avoid areas of downed power lines and flooding. Ensure generators are properly ventilated and placed outside at least 20 feet away from dwellings and garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. During clean up, be careful when using chainsaws and power tools. Drink plenty of water to avoid heat exhaustion. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 10/1500Z 29.1N 167.7W 50 KT 60 MPH 12H 11/0000Z 29.1N 169.3W 45 KT 50 MPH 24H 11/1200Z 29.2N 171.1W 45 KT 50 MPH 36H 12/0000Z 30.0N 172.0W 45 KT 50 MPH 48H 12/1200Z 31.7N 172.2W 45 KT 50 MPH 60H 13/0000Z 33.0N 173.4W 40 KT 45 MPH 72H 13/1200Z 33.1N 174.4W 35 KT 40 MPH...POST-TROPICAL 96H 14/1200Z 32.4N 175.1W 30 KT 35 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 120H 15/1200Z 31.0N 175.0W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW $$ Forecaster Evans/Hagen