Category Archives: Eastern and Central Pacific

TCs between Mexico and Hawaii

Tropical Storm Ivo Moves Southeast of Baja California

Tropical Storm Ivo moved southeast of Baja California on Thursday evening.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Ivo was located at latitude 19.7°N and longitude 107.3°W which put the center about 275 miles (445 km) southeast of the southern tip of Baja California.  Ivo was moving toward the northwest at 22 m.p.h. (35 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb.

Even though Tropical Storm Ivo strengthened on Thursday, its structure did not change a lot.  Thunderstorms were still forming near the center of Ivo’s circulation.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the southern and eastern parts of Tropical Storm Ivo.  Bands in the northern and western parts of Ivo’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Ivo was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Ivo’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Ivo will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Ivo will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge over Mexico.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Ivo’s circulation.  However, the winds in the lower atmosphere will also blow from the east.  Since the winds in the upper and lower levels of the atmosphere will blow from the same direction, there will be less vertical wind shear.  Even though Tropical Storm Ivo will move through an environment most favorable for intensification, Ivo may not intensify a lot on Friday as long as it continues to move quickly toward the west-northwest.  If Tropical Storm Ivo starts to move more slowly, then it could intensify again.

Tropical Storm Ivo will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Ivo toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Ivo will move south of Baja California on Friday.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Henriette weakened slowly as it approached the Central Pacific.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Henriette was located at latitude 19.1°N and longitude 138.4°W which put the center about 1090 miles (1750 km) east Hilo, Hawaii.  Henriette was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1007 mb.

Tropical Storm Ivo Forms South of Mexico

Tropical Storm Ivo formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean on Wednesday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Ivo was located at latitude 14.2°N and longitude 99.1°W which put the center about 195 miles (310 km) south-southeast Acapulco, Mexico.  Ivo was moving toward the west-northwest at 22 m.p.h. (35 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1008 mb.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico strengthened on Wednesday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Ivo.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Ivo organized quickly on Wednesday afternoon.  Thunderstorms developed near the center of Ivo’s circulation.  Thunderstorms also formed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Ivo.  Storms near the center of Ivo began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Ivo was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 25 miles (40 km) in the northern side of Ivo’s circulation.  The winds in the southern side of Tropical Storm Ivo were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Ivo will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Ivo will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge over Mexico.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Ivo’s circulation.  However, the winds in the lower atmosphere will also blow from the east.  Since the winds in the upper and lower levels of the atmosphere will blow from the same direction, there will be less vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Ivo is likely to strengthen during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Ivo will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Ivo toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Ivo will move parallel to the coast of southern Mexico.

Bands in the northern side of Ivo’s circulation could drop heavy rain on parts of southern Mexico.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in Guerrero, Michoacan, and Colima.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Henriette continued to churn toward the Central Pacific.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Henriette was located at latitude 18.1°N and longitude 131.3°W which put the center about 1555 miles (2505 km) east Hilo, Hawaii.  Henriette was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb.

Tropical Storm Henriette Churns Westward

Tropical Storm Henriette churned westward over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Henriette was located at latitude 17.0°N and longitude 125.6°W which put the center about 1095 miles (1765 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Henriette was moving toward the west-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.

The structure of Tropical Storm Henriette did not change much on Tuesday.  The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Henriette continued to be asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western side of Henriette’s circulation.  Bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Henriette consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms on the western side of the center of Henriette generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass in the upper levels was balanced by an inflow of mass in the lower levels of the atmosphere.  The balance of outflow and inflow of mass caused the surface pressure to remain nearly constant.

The size of the circulation around Tropical Storm Henriette increased a little on Tuesday.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Henriette’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Henriette will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Henriette will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26°C.  It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Henriette’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification.  The intensity of Tropical Storm Henriette is likely to remain nearly constant during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Henriette will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Henriette toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Henriette will continue to move farther away from Baja California.

Tropical Storm Henriette Forms Southwest of Baja California

Tropical Storm Henriette formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Baja California on Monday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Henriette was located at latitude 14.8°N and longitude 120.6°W which put the center about 895 miles (1440 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Henriette was moving toward the west-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Baja California strengthened on Monday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Henriette.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Henriette was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western side of Henriette’s circulation.  Bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Henriette consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Henriette generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Henriette was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Henriette’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Henriette will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Henriette will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Henriette’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Henriette will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Henriette will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Henriette toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Henriette will move farther away from Baja California.

 

Gil Weakens Back to a Tropical Storm

Former Hurricane Gil weakened back to a tropical storm on Saturday over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean east of Hawaii.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Gil was located at latitude 19.5°N and longitude 132.0°W which put the center about 1500 miles (2415 km) east of Hilo, Hawaii.  Gil was moving toward the west-northwest at 21 m.p.h. (33 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

Former Hurricane Gil weakened back to a tropical storm on Saturday when it moved over cooler water.  Many of the thunderstorms in the western side of Gil’s circulation weakened when it moved over cooler water.  Thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Gil.  The thunderstorms in the eastern side of Gil’s circulation still generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass meant that Tropical Storm Gil weakened slowly.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Gil was relatively symmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center of Gil’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Gil will move through an environment mostly unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Gil will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 24°C.  It will move through a region where there will be little vertical wind shear.  Even though Tropical Storm Gil will move through a region where there will be little vertical wind shear, Gil is likely to continue to weaken because of the cooler water.

Tropical Storm Gil will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Gil toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Gil will move toward Hawaii as it weakens.

Gil Strengthens to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Gil strengthened to a hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Baja California on Friday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Gil was located at latitude 16.5°N and longitude 125.1°W which put the center about 1080 miles (1740 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Gil was moving toward the west-northwest at 20 m.p.h. (32 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Gil strengthened to a hurricane on Friday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western and southern sides of the center of Gil’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Gil.  Storms near the center of Gil generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were occurring in the northeastern part of Hurricane Gil.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Gil’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of Hurricane Gil.

Hurricane Gil will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Gil will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move through a region where there will be little vertical wind shear.  However, Gil will move into a region where there is very dry air.  The dry air will inhibit intensification.  Hurricane Gil could intensify during the next 24 hours if the dry air does not penetrate to the core of Gil’s circulation.

Hurricane Gil will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Gil toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Gil will continue to move farther away from Baja California.

Elsewhere, former Tropical Storm Iona weakened to a tropical depression as it approached the International Date Line.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression Iona was located at latitude 15.8°N and longitude 179.5°W which put the center about 1465 miles (2355 km) west of Honolulu, Hawaii.  Iona was moving toward the west-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1008 mb.

Tropical Storm Gil Forms South of Baja California

Tropical Storm Gil formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Baja California on Wednesday night.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Gil was located at latitude 12.7°N and longitude 115.1°W which put the center about 785 miles (1260 km) south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Gil was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Baja California strengthened on Wednesday night and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Gil.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Gil was organizing quickly on Thursday morning.  Numerous thunderstorms formed near the center of Gil’s circulation.  Thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Gil.  Storms near the center of Gil generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speed in Tropical Storm Gil was asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) in the eastern side of Gil’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the western side of Tropical Storm Gil.

Tropical Storm Gil will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Gil will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.   It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Gil’s circulation.  However, the winds in the lower atmosphere will also blow from the east.  So, there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Gil will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Gil could intensify rapidly,  Tropical Storm Gil could strengthen to a hurricane by Friday.

Tropical Storm Gil will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Gil toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Gil will move away from Baja California.

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Iona moved quickly away from Hawaii.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Iona was located at latitude 12.3°N and longitude 166.9°W which put the center about 860 miles (1385 km) southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii.  Iona was moving toward the west at 23 m.p.h. (37 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb.

Iona Rapidly Weakens to a Tropical Storm

Former Hurricane Iona rapidly weakened to a tropical storm over the Central Pacific Ocean southwest of Hawaii on Wednesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Iona was located at latitude 11.7°N and longitude 162.6°W which put the center about 730 miles (1180 km) south-southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii.  Iona was moving toward the west at 22 m.p.h. (35 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

Former Hurricane Iona rapidly weakened to a tropical storm southwest of Hawaii on Wednesday.  Iona moved into a region of drier air.  The drier air caused many of the thunderstorms in Iona’s circulation to dissipate.  A few thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the southern and eastern periphery of Tropical Storm Iona.  An upper level trough southwest of Hawaii was producing southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Iona’s circulation.  Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear was also contributing to the weakening of Tropical Storm Iona.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Iona was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Iona’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Iona will move through an environment that will be mostly unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Iona will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of the upper level trough southwest of Hawaii.  The upper level trough will continue to produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Iona’s circulation.  Those winds will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear.  In addition, Iona will also continue to move through the region of drier air that is located southwest of Hawaii.  The combination of moderate vertical wind shear and drier air will cause Tropical Storm Iona to start to continue to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Iona will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Central Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Iona toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Iona will move farther away from of Hawaii on Thursday.

Elsewhere over the Central Pacific Ocean, the upper level trough southwest of Hawaii caused former Tropical Storm Keli to weaken to a tropical depression.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression Keli was located at latitude 13.9°N and longitude 156.6°W which put the center about 520 miles (835 km) south of Honolulu, Hawaii.  Keli was moving toward the west at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

Hurricane Iona Passes South of Hawaii

Hurricane Iona was passing well to the south of Hawaii on Tuesday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Iona was located at latitude 10.9°N and longitude 155.7°W which put the center about 735 miles (11800 km) south-southeast of Honolulu, Hawaii.  Iona was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 957 mb.

Hurricane Iona strengthened a little more on Tuesday afternoon as it passed well to the south of Hawaii.  A small circular eye was still visible at the center of Iona’s circulation on satellite images.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Iona.  Storms near the center of Iona generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Iona increased a little on Tuesday afternoon, but Iona was still a small hurricane.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Iona’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Hurricane Iona.

Hurricane Iona will move through an environment that will become unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Iona will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level trough centered north of Hawaii.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Iona’s circulation.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  In addition, Iona will move into a region of drier air that is located southwest of Hawaii.  The combination of more vertical wind shear and drier air will cause Hurricane Iona to start to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Iona will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Central Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Iona toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Iona will move southwest of Hawaii on Wednesday.

Elsewhere over the Central Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Keli continue to move toward the west behind Hurricane Iona.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Keli was located at latitude 12.8°N and longitude 149.9°W which put the center about 790 miles (1270 km) southeast of Honolulu, Hawaii.  Keli was moving toward the west at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

Iona Rapidly Intensifies to a Major Hurricane

Hurricane Iona rapidly intensified to a major hurricane over the Central Pacific Ocean south-southeast of Hawaii on Monday night.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Iona was located at latitude 10.8°N and longitude 153.2°W which put the center about 790 miles (1270 km) south-southeast of Honolulu, Hawaii.  Iona was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 964 mb.

Hurricane Iona continued to intensify rapidly during Monday night.  A small circular eye formed at the center of Iona’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Iona.  Storms near the center of Iona generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Hurricane Iona was small.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Iona’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Hurricane Iona.

Hurricane Iona will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Iona will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Central Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Iona’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Hurricane Iona could continue to intensify during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Iona will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Central Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Iona toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Iona will pass south of Hawaii on Tuesday.

Elsewhere over the Central Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Keli continue to move toward the west behind Hurricane Iona.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Keli was located at latitude 12.5°N and longitude 146.6°W which put the center about 960 miles (1550 km) southeast of Honolulu, Hawaii.  Keli was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.