Tropical Cyclone Discussion
181 WTPZ41 KNHC 270855 TCDEP1 Hurricane Odalys Discussion Number 30 NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL EP162026 200 AM PDT Sun Sep 27 2026 Odalys remains a low-end Category 1 hurricane, but continues to rapidly weaken. The system's overall convective structure has degenerated into an irregularly shaped central dense overcast, with cloud-top temperatures ranging between -65°C and -70°C just north of the center. The latest subjective Dvorak CI number from TAFB was 4.5/77 kt, but the final T-number was 3.5/55 kt, which aligns better with the objective intensity estimates from UW-CIMSS ranging between 53 and 65 kt, further suggesting Odalys' weakening trend. Based on a blend of these data, the initial intensity is lowered to 65 kt. The ASCAT from around 0435Z still had 57 kt vectors, and given the low bias of ASCAT at those wind speeds, this supports keeping Odalys a hurricane for this advisory. The initial motion is estimated to be northward at 360/7 kt. Little change has been made to the track reasoning, as Odalys is expected to continue northward while a deep-layer trough steers the vertically coherent cyclone. Once the system decouples, motion is forecast to turn abruptly south-southeastward in 24 to 36 hours under the steering influence of a low-level ridge positioned to the northwest. The latest track guidance from the HCCA and GDMI ensemble consensus aids demonstrates a sharper turn southeastward, and the updated NHC track forecast reflects this while closely following the previous advisory. Over the next few days, Odalys will face an increasingly hostile environment marked by persistent vertical wind shear, dry surrounding air, and significantly cooler ocean temperatures. As a result, rapid weakening is expected throughout the forecast period. Both the GFS and ECMWF simulated satellite models indicate Odalys will transition to a post-tropical cyclone as early as 24 hours. Distant moisture from both Hurricanes Odalys and Polo will be transported into the southwestern United States late this weekend and early next week, and may indirectly contribute to a heavy rainfall and flash flood threat in the region. See products issued by the Weather Prediction Center for more information. FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS INIT 27/0900Z 21.9N 123.4W 65 KT 75 MPH 12H 27/1800Z 22.4N 123.2W 55 KT 65 MPH 24H 28/0600Z 22.6N 122.9W 45 KT 50 MPH...POST-TROPICAL 36H 28/1800Z 22.0N 122.6W 35 KT 40 MPH...POST-TROPICAL 48H 29/0600Z 21.0N 122.4W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 60H 29/1800Z 19.9N 122.2W 25 KT 30 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 72H 30/0600Z 19.1N 122.1W 20 KT 25 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW 96H 01/0600Z...DISSIPATED