west pacific Tropical Depression 04W

[Somerset Squall]

The fourth tropical depression of this reletively busy and early start to the 2014 West Pacific season has formed just east of the Philippines. Winds are 25kts according to JTWC. There are limited banding features in the northern semicircle of the depression, but the LLCC is ill defined. Some slight strengthening is forecast before 04W drags across the islands of the southern Philippines, causing the depression to lose intensity. Conditions in the South China Sea are pretty hostile, so even if 04W makes it this far it will likely dissipate.

[Somerset Squall]

04W peaked at 30kts, but it has been a blink and you miss it system; JTWC issued the last advisory last night as the LLCC weakened significantly over land. Shear, dry air and further land interaction should prevent a comeback.