On September 14, a low-latitude tropical wave moved across the coastline of the nation of Guinea into the eastern Atlantic ocean. The system tracked a bit north of west over the next several days at 10-15 mph and displayed some organized thunderstorm activity. By late on September 17, there was a low-pressure center, and satellite estimates indicated that gale-force winds were occurring. The next morning, a closed circulation developed, so the disturbance was upgraded directly to Tropical Storm Wilfred. Wilfred was the 21st named storm of the 2020 season, surpassing the known storm total for 1933, which had previously had the second-most storms on record with 20 (though totals before the satellite era were likely undercounted). Only 2005 had a 21st named storm previously, Vince, which formed on October 9 of that year, so Wilfred handily beat this record. 2005's 21st storm was a "V" not a "W" due to an unnamed tropical storm identified in post-season analysis. By the same token, Wilfred was only the second time the letter "W" was even used, after 2005's Wilma.
Ocean waters were pretty warm under Wilfred, but the ouflow of massive Hurricane Teddy far to the northwest was already causing increasing shear over the cyclone. Convection became rather disorganized overnight and an uncoved low-level swirl appeared on visible satellite imagery on September 19. Nevertheless, Wilfred maintained minimal tropical storm intensity through the day. Soon after, weakening began and it became a tropical depression. Late that night, it dissipated.
The above image shows Wilfred shortly after formation.
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