western pacific Tropical Storm Molave

[Somerset Squall]

Another tropical depression has formed southeast of Japan. Set to strengthen and recurve to the northeast. Fuller update later:

[Somerset Squall]

JMA have upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Molave. Molave has a rather broad and elongated structure with a partially exposed LLCC. Whilst the storm is so broad, strengthening will be slow. Molave is expected to intensify as shear is low and waters warm for now.

Edited August 7, 2015 by Somerset Squall

[Somerset Squall]

Molave's winds have increased to 45kts according to JMA, who are still warning on this system. JTWC have downgraded Molave to a subtropical low however. Either way, the LLCC is partially exposed and the associated convection shallow. Molave is forecasted to strengthen a little more by JMA as it recurves to the northeast southeast of Japan.

[Somerset Squall]

Convection has become deeper over the circulation of Molave today, which prompted JTWC to reclassify the system as a tropical storm this morning. Winds are at 45kts according to JMA and JTWC. Some strengthening is anticipated, but it will be tempered by shear. In a few days, Molave will become extratropical as it continues northeast.

[Somerset Squall]

Molave peaked at 50kts. Extratropical transition is now well underway as waters cool beneath the system, and shear remains high.