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#1153355 (Received by flhurricane at: 4:59 AM 18.Sep.2023)
TCDAT5

Hurricane Nigel Discussion Number 12
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL152023
500 AM AST Mon Sep 18 2023

Infrared satellite imagery indicates that Nigel is getting better
organized in a hurry. Deep convective towers have been quickly
rotating around a developing eyewall, and an AMSR2 microwave pass
indicated that a low-level eye feature had developed. Intensity
estimates at 06 UTC ranged from 60-70 kt, and given the increasing
organization on satellite and microwave data, the initial wind speed
is raised to 70 kt.

It seems like the long-awaited rapid intensification phase of Nigel
is underway. Very deep convective cloud tops are in the central
dense overcast, with warm waters and light shear for at least a day
or two along the path of the hurricane. These conditions should
promote significant strengthening, and it makes sense to forecast a
period of rapid intensification, only moderated by somewhat cooler
waters after 36 hours, along with possible eyewall replacement
cycles. It is interesting to note that most of the regional
hurricane guidance has come down this cycle, with the hurricane
models showing a very deep, but larger system with lower maximum
winds. The new forecast is closer to the previous NHC interpolated
forecast, the statistical aids, and the COAMPS-TC ensemble. Nigel
should undergo a quick extratropical transition between days 4 and
5, consistent with all of the global model predictions.

Nigel is moving northwestward with an estimated motion of 325/10 kt.
This general northwestward to north-northwestward heading should
continue for the next couple of days as a mid-level ridge builds to
the northeast of the system. In a couple of days, Nigel will reach
the western edge of the ridge and turn more northward. By the end of
the forecast period, a strong trough will pick up the system, and
Nigel should accelerate quite rapidly towards the northeast. There
are no significant changes to report with the latest NHC track
forecast, as at last the rightward shift of the guidance seems to
have ended.


FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS

INIT 18/0900Z 26.5N 50.7W 70 KT 80 MPH
12H 18/1800Z 27.6N 51.8W 85 KT 100 MPH
24H 19/0600Z 29.1N 53.3W 100 KT 115 MPH
36H 19/1800Z 30.8N 54.6W 105 KT 120 MPH
48H 20/0600Z 33.1N 55.0W 100 KT 115 MPH
60H 20/1800Z 35.7N 53.9W 95 KT 110 MPH
72H 21/0600Z 38.5N 50.8W 90 KT 105 MPH
96H 22/0600Z 44.5N 37.3W 70 KT 80 MPH
120H 23/0600Z 51.5N 21.5W 50 KT 60 MPH...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP

$$
Forecaster Blake