Tropical Cyclone Discussion
995 WTPZ44 KNHC 260838 TCDEP4 Tropical Storm Iselle Discussion Number 12 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP092026 200 AM PDT Wed Aug 26 2026 Moderate northerly wind shear and dry air entrainment are affecting Iselle this morning. An earlier GPM microwave pass indicated that the circulation is better established to the north and east of the center, with less definition on the southern and western sides. This structure is consistent with infrared satellite imagery, which shows shower and thunderstorm activity concentrated primarily northeast of the center. However, a recent ASCAT scatterometer pass indicated that winds of 40-45 kt remain present in the northeastern quadrant. The 0600 UTC Dvorak intensity estimate from TAFB was 3.0/45 kt, while objective intensity estimates from UW-CIMSS range from 26-44 kt. Given the scatterometer data and subjective Dvorak estimate, the intensity is set at 45 kt for this advisory. Iselle will continue on a west-northwestward heading over the next couple of days as a ridge builds to the north of the cyclone. Increasing wind shear, cooler sea surface temperatures and drier mid-level air will promote gradual weakening through late this week, and Iselle may struggle to maintain organized convection as early as tonight. The latest NHC forecast calls for Iselle to become post-tropical by 24 h and degenerate to a remnant low by 36 h. Only minor adjustments were made to the track and intensity forecasts for this advisory cycle. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 26/0900Z 21.8N 123.5W 45 KT 50 MPH 12H 26/1800Z 22.2N 124.6W 40 KT 45 MPH 24H 27/0600Z 22.8N 126.4W 35 KT 40 MPH...POST-TROPICAL 36H 27/1800Z 23.5N 128.3W 30 KT 35 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 48H 28/0600Z 23.8N 130.2W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 60H 28/1800Z 24.3N 132.1W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 72H 29/0600Z...DISSIPATED