A tropical wave moved westward off the coast of Africa on July 14.[42] After tracking steadily westward, an area of thunderstorms became more concentrated as its upper-level environment became more favorable,[43] and late on July 19 the National Hurricane Center classified it as Tropical Depression Six while it was located about 1035 mi (1675 km) east of the Lesser Antilles.[42] Upon being classified as a tropical cyclone, the depression maintained two ill-defined hooking bands to its north and south, and was originally forecast to attain hurricane status before passing through the Lesser Antilles. With warm waters and very light wind shear forecast, its environmental conditions met four out of five parameters for rapid intensification.[44] Subsequently, convection diminished as the result of cold air inflow and instability from a disturbance to its southeast.[45]