Tropical Storm Jova formed south of Mexico on Monday night. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Jova was located at latitude 12.8°N and longitude 106.9°W which put it about 725 miles (1165 km) south-southeast of the southern tip of Baja California. Jova 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 1004 mb.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico strengthened during Monday night and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Jova. The circulation around Jova was still organizing on Tuesday morning. It was difficult to see the surface center of Tropical Storm Jova on infrared satellite images. More thunderstorms were developing in bands revolving around the center of circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Jova’s circulation. The winds in the other parts of Tropical Storm Jova were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Jova will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Jova will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over Mexico and the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Jova’s circulation. The winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the east and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Jova will intensify during the next 36 hours. Jova could strengthen to a hurricane on Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Jova will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over northern Mexico and the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Jova toward the west-northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Jova will move farther away from the west coast of Mexico.