central pacific Tropical Storm Malia

[Somerset Squall]

Tropical Depression 05C has formed in the far west of the basin, just east of the dateline and the border to the Western Pacific. This is the fifth system to develop in the Central Pacific basin and the tenth to exist within the basin which I am pretty sure is a record (I am checking this atatement).

05C has winds of 30kts. The depression has an elongated circulation but plenty of deep convection associated with it. Very warm waters but moderate shear should allow some slow intensification over the next day or two before shear significantly increases over 05C. A track similar to that of Hurricane Loke earlier in the year is expected, with a meandering but generally northward motion expected. 05C should remain east if the dateline and in the Central Pacific. There are small islands set to be affected by 05C.

From CPHC:

TROPICAL STORM WATCHES HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE CENTRAL PORTIONS OF THE PAPAHANAUMOKUAKEA NATIONAL MARINE MONUMENT FROM LISIANSKI ISLAND TO MARO REEF TO FRENCH FRIGATE SHOALS. IF CURRENT TRENDS CONTINUE...WARNINGS WILL LIKELY BE ISSUED TONIGHT OR SATURDAY.

Edited September 19, 2015 by Somerset Squall

[Somerset Squall]

05C has become the sixth named storm of the Central Pacific season. This shatters the previous record of 4 storms to be named within the basin, set in 1984.

Malia has winds of 35kts. Moderate shear is still affecting the system, evidenced by the fact that the majority of the convection resides to the northeast of the LLCC. Some slight additional strengthening is forecast before extratropical transition occurs.

Edited September 21, 2015 by Somerset Squall