The test flight involving N43RF and the NRL P-3 is scheduled today for an 18 UTC takeoff. The goals of the test flight are summarized below:

1. Complete test of all real-time communications components;
2. Transfer of flight-level dataset to RAINEX Operations Center;
3. Dropsonde test and intercomparison;
4. Tail Doppler radar test and intercomparison;
5. In situ flight level intercomparison.

The remnants of T.D.10 continue to track toward the west-northwest, about 500 nm east-northeast of the leeward islands. Convection has started to develop more within the circulation of the system (Fig. 3), but the shear is still relatively high (Fig. 4). NHC is saying that the system may regenerate within the next day or so. Track models take the system north of the islands (Fig. 5), approaching the southern Bahamas over the next 72 h. If this is a target, it will likely be around Sunday for a flight.

Elsewhere, a wave has moved off Africa and it will be watched. The convection over the western Caribbean is disorganized and does not show any signs of development.

Rob Rogers
HRD Field Program director