Early on July 20, the NHC began monitoring a tropical wave over the central tropical Atlantic for possible tropical cyclone development.[114] The wave moved generally westward steered by a low to mid level subtropical ridge over warm sea-surface temperatures that day, gradually getting better organized. Though in an area of only somewhat conducive conditions,[115] the wave rapidly became better organized. By 21:00 UTC July 21, satellite imagery and scatterometer data indicated that the small low pressure system had acquired a well-defined circulation as well as sufficiently organized convection to be designated Tropical Depression Seven.[116] At 12:50 UTC on July 22, the NHC issued an update upgrading the depression to Tropical Storm Gonzalo.[117] Gonzalo continued to intensify throughout the day, with an eyewall under a central dense overcast and hints of a developing eye becoming evident.[118] Gonzalo would then reach wind speeds of 60 mph at 03:00 UTC the next day.[119] At this point, Gonzalo had an unusually small wind field, with gale-force winds stretching only 35 miles from the center.[120]
Gonzalo is the earliest seventh named tropical cyclone to form in the Atlantic basin. The previous holder of this distinction was Tropical Storm Gert, which formed on July 24 during the hyperactive 2005 season.[121]
Current storm information
As of 5:00 a.m. AST (09:00 UTC) July 23, Tropical Storm Gonzalo is located within 20 nautical miles of 10.0°N 47.0°W, about 970 miles (1,565 km) east of the Southern Windward Islands. Maximum sustained winds are 55 knots (65 mph; 100 km/h), with gusts up to 65 knots (75 mph; 120 km/h). The minimum barometric pressure is 997 mbar (29.44 inHg), and the system is moving west at 10 knots (12 mph; 19 km/h). Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Gonzalo.