A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on August 11. Associated deep convection quickly decreased after tracking westward through the tropical Atlantic Ocean, although by August 13 a broad low pressure area and closed circulation developed along the wave.[1] Environmental conditions favored tropical development, and the system gradually became better organized,[2] although convection was initially limited near the center.[3] On August 14, convection increased northwest of the center and became sufficiently well-organized for the system to be considered a tropical depression; at the time, it was located about 1500 miles (2400 km) east of the southern Windward Islands.[1]
Situated to the south of a strong subtropical ridge, the depression tracked rapidly westward. With easterly wind shear, the structure was initially disorganized,[1] although the system was forecast to attain tropical storm status within 48 hours of developing, due to anticipated favorable conditions.[4] One computer model predicted the depression would reach winds of around 115 miles per hour (185 km/h) by four days after development.[5] Banding features increased while the satellite presentation continued to improve,[1] and at 1200 UTC on August 16 the depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Chantal about 370 miles (595 km) east of Barbados.[6] At the same time however, a QuikSCAT pass suggested the system did not contain a low-level circulation, and in post-season analysis, the National Hurricane Center estimated the system degenerated into a tropical wave rather than attain tropical storm status.[1] This was confirmed by a Hurricane Hunters flight into the system.[7]
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