Tropical Storm Newton moved south of Baja California on Thursday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Newton was located at latitude 18.0°N and longitude 109.0°W which put it about 345 miles (550 km) south of the southern tip of Baja California. Newton was moving toward the west-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 1000 mb.

Tropical Storm Newton strengthened on Thursday as it moved over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Baja California. The circulation around Newton was small. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Newton. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Short bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Newton’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Newton will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Newton will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. However, there is drier air north and west of Tropical Storm Newton. If the drier air gets pulled into Newton’s circulation, then it could weaken quickly because the tropical storm is so small. If the drier air remains outside of Newton’s circulation, then the tropical storm could get stronger.

Tropical Storm Newton will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Newton toward the west during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Newton will move farther away from Baja California.