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The depression is barely a tropical cyclone. The deep convection that was located along the southern side of the circulation earlier today (August 15) has nearly completely dissipated, and the system currently looks like an ITCZ low-level cloud swirl. The initial intensity is held generously at 30 knots based on the earlier ASCAT data.

The cyclone is currently experiencing strong northeasterly wind shear, and given that the shear is expected to remain strong for another day or so, this system could degenerate into a remnant low during that time. However, the shear is expected to lessen after that, and if the depression survives, it could linger for several more days. The models show little change in strength, and the NHC prediction keeps the system steady in intensity through the forecast period.

Since the depression is caught in weak steering currents between a low pressure system to its east-northeast and a narrow ridge to its northwest, it has not moved much during the past several hours. As the low east-northeast of the system pulls northward, the weak depression, or its remnants, should generally drift northwestward during the next couple of days and then southwestward after that time.

Information provided by NHC.