Tropical Cyclone Discussion
143 WTPA43 PHFO 210236 TCDCP3 Tropical Depression Two-C Discussion Number 3 NWS Central Pacific Hurricane Center Honolulu HI CP022026 Issued by NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL 500 PM HST Thu Aug 20 2026 Satellite imagery indicates that the convection associated with Tropical Depression Two-C has weakened slightly during the past several hours, with most of the deep convection positioned over the western semicircle. The latest subjective Dvorak intensity estimates from JTWC and HFO remain T2.0/30 kt and are generally consistent with the objective intensity estimates. Therefore, the initial intensity is held at 30 kt. Both NOAA and Air Force reconnaissance aircraft are scheduled to investigate the cyclone on Friday. The initial motion is estimated to be 290/12 kt, and this general motion is expected to persist into the weekend while the cyclone remains on the southern side of the subtropical ridge. A gradual turn toward the west is forecast later in the weekend as the ridge builds to the north of the system. Track guidance remains in generally good agreement, although some cross-track spread persists as the cyclone approaches and passes south of the Hawaiian Islands this weekend and into early next week. The updated NHC forecast reflects a blend of the previous forecast, ECMWF, and the GFS solutions, and generally lies near the northern side of the guidance envelope. Environmental conditions appear favorable for gradual strengthening during the next few days. The cyclone is forecast to remain over warm waters and within an adequately moist environment while vertical wind shear remains relatively weak. These conditions should support steady intensification as the system approaches the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands. Beyond about 72 h, increasing shear and a progressively drier surrounding environment should induce a weakening trend by early next week as it passes south of the Hawaiian Islands. The NHC intensity forecast shows the system becoming a strong tropical storm this weekend, followed by gradual weakening, and remains near the upper end of the intensity guidance. Key Messages: 1. The tropical depression is expected to strengthen while it moves west-northwestward toward the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands over the next couple of days. 2. Heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Depression Two will begin to impact the Big Island of Hawaii late Saturday night, spreading westward across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands Sunday into Monday. This rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in steep terrain and over areas that were affected recently by Lala. 3. There is a risk of wind and wave impacts in the Hawaiian Islands regardless of the exact track and intensity of the system. Watches may be required for portions of the Hawaiian Islands by Friday and residents should closely monitor the latest forecast updates and ensure that they have their preparedness plan in place. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 21/0300Z 12.9N 145.0W 30 KT 35 MPH 12H 21/1200Z 13.3N 146.1W 35 KT 40 MPH 24H 22/0000Z 13.9N 147.7W 40 KT 45 MPH 36H 22/1200Z 14.9N 149.4W 45 KT 50 MPH 48H 23/0000Z 15.9N 151.6W 50 KT 60 MPH 60H 23/1200Z 16.6N 154.3W 50 KT 60 MPH 72H 24/0000Z 16.9N 157.0W 50 KT 60 MPH 96H 25/0000Z 17.6N 161.5W 45 KT 50 MPH 120H 26/0000Z 18.6N 166.0W 40 KT 45 MPH