TD13 intensified into Tropical Storm Leslie last night. The low-level center is located under a dense core of convection, and a developing outflow circulation has gained traction, especially on the south side of the circulation. Hurricane Kirk’s outflow continues to impede Leslie’s development due to vertical wind shear. However, as Kirk lifts to the northwest and Leslie moves west, the influences of Kirk will continue to decline. With Leslie in a favorable environment for intensification, the storm will likely become a hurricane in the next 48 hours.
Leslie will eventually turn to the northwest under the influence of the weakness in the central Atlantic ridge. Most of the model guidance has Kirk intensifying into a strong hurricane, possibly a major hurricane, and turning into the central Atlantic over the next ten days due to a deep trough around Bermuda.
