Tropical Cyclone Discussion
960 WTPA42 PHFO 170837 TCDCP2 Tropical Storm Lala Discussion Number 20 NWS Central Pacific Hurricane Center Honolulu HI CP012026 Issued by NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL 1100 PM HST Sun Aug 16 2026 Lala appears to be succumbing to the surrounding dry mid-level air, with convective coverage having diminished over the past several hours. Intermittent bursts of deep convection persist near the center of the circulation, while the previously fragmented band across the northern and western portions of the circulation has weakened. The latest subjective Current Intensity estimates from HFO and JTWC range from 45 to 55 kt, which generally align with the latest objective estimates from UW-CIMSS. In addition, a 0702 UTC METOP-B scatterometer pass provided useful information on Lala's overall structure and wind field and supports an intensity near 50 kt. Based on a blend of these data and the satellite presentation, the initial intensity is set at 50 kt for this advisory. Lala is moving westward, or 270/11 kt, and this motion is expected to continue over the next couple of days as a strong subtropical ridge remains positioned to the north. Thereafter, a weakness is forecast to develop in the ridge in response to a shortwave trough moving across the northern Pacific, causing Lala to slow and gradually turn toward the northwest and then northward during the middle to latter half of the week. Track forecast confidence remains relatively high through the first half of the week, but decreases thereafter due to run-to-run inconsistencies in the models and considerable cross-track spread among the guidance. The latest NHC track forecast is very close to the previous advisory through midweek, then follows a blend of the previous forecast, the multi-model consensus (HCCA), and the Google DeepMind ensemble mean thereafter to account for the increasing uncertainty. Little change in intensity is expected during the next day or so as Lala continues westward away from the main Hawaiian Islands and south of the eastern portion of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Thereafter, the intensity guidance continues to indicate a strengthening trend, with Lala forecast to regain hurricane intensity by midweek as it begins to turn northwestward. Although the cyclone will remain over warm waters, mid-level dry air and increasing westerly vertical wind shear could temper the amount of strengthening that occurs later in the forecast period. Nevertheless, much of the guidance continues to show Lala strengthening as it approaches portions of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands later in the week. The latest NHC intensity forecast is similar to the previous advisory through midweek, then trends toward the middle of the guidance envelope during the latter half of the forecast period. Key Messages: 1. Rain will continue to taper off across the island chain tonight into Monday morning, but localized areas of flooding and mudslides remain possible. 2. Continue to use caution in the wake of Lala, as dangerous hazards remain, including flooded areas and downed power lines. If using a generator, be sure it is placed outside at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and garages to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 17/0900Z 20.7N 162.6W 50 KT 60 MPH 12H 17/1800Z 20.6N 164.0W 50 KT 60 MPH 24H 18/0600Z 20.5N 165.9W 55 KT 65 MPH 36H 18/1800Z 20.6N 167.7W 60 KT 70 MPH 48H 19/0600Z 20.9N 169.2W 70 KT 80 MPH 60H 19/1800Z 21.7N 170.7W 75 KT 85 MPH 72H 20/0600Z 22.6N 171.9W 75 KT 85 MPH 96H 21/0600Z 24.5N 172.9W 70 KT 80 MPH 120H 22/0600Z 26.9N 172.2W 70 KT 80 MPH