 A tropical wave moved westward off the coast of Africa on July 27 . Initially , virgorous convection persisted throughout the wave axis , though dry air greatly diminished the convection on July 28 . The wind field remained well @-@ defined as it continued westward , and deep convection increased two days later along the northern end of the wave axis . Dvorak classifications began on July 30 in response to an increase in vertical depth and organization of the convection . On July 31 a buoy recorded a change of wind direction from northeast to west , indicating a small low pressure area formed . Convective organization rapidly increased as it turned to the northwest , and the system developed into Tropical Depression Three on August 1 while located about 235 miles ( 375 km ) east @-@ southeast of Barbuda . 
