Tropical Depression 26W Update #3

Tropical Depression 26W is now weakening in the waters south of Vietnam. It was last located approximately 550km southeast of Ho Chi Minh. Maximum sustained winds remain at 45kph gusting to 65kph. TD 26W is moving west southwestward at 15kph.

The system currently has a very weak convective activity despite having low wind shear. The dry-air from the NE Monsoon is what's inhibiting development. The center of circulation is still intact although winds around it have weakened significantly.

VIS Image from NRLMRY

Tropical Depression 26W is forecast to continue moving southwestward, avoiding landfall in Vietnam. However, still expect light to moderate rain showers for the next 1 to 2 days. The system will likely dissipate by as early as tomorrow as wind shear increases in the area.

Meanwhile, a new tropical depression formed in the Pacific today. For more info on this system, please check out our separate post: Tropical Depression 27W Update
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Issued (09 UTC) 6pm PhT 121311