TD 01W Update #5

Tropical Depression 01W continues to struggle amidst the moderate wind shear and mild sea surface temperatures in the South China Sea. It was last located approximately 600km east southeast of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and is moving west southwestward at 10kph. Sustained winds remain at 45kph with gusts of up to 65kph.

VIS Image from NRLMRY

Latest VIS image shows that the low-level circulation center is still fully exposed and lacks any convective activity whatsoever. The structure, though, remains intact and the image reveals numerous inflow bands wrapping around the center. No major changes in the forecast. TD 01W will continue to struggle in the region due to less favorable conditions. Wind shear may weaken during the next 24 hours which could allow the system to somewhat develop, but this is looking less likely at this point.

We'll have another update tomorrow.
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Issued (0930 UTC) 530pm PhT 022012