Tropical Storm Ramon Forms South of Mexico

Tropical Storm Ramon formed south of Mexico on Wednesday morning.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Ramon was located at latitude 14.9°N and longitude 96.5°W which put it about 55 miles (90 km) south of Puerto Angel, Mexico.  Ramon was moving toward the west-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 1002 mb.

The government of Mexico has issued a Tropical Storm Watch that is in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Angel to Acapulco.

The circulation of Tropical Storm Ramon is not well organized.  The distribution of thunderstorms is asymmetrical.  Most of the showers and thunderstorms are occurring in the western half of the circulation.  A large upper level ridge centered over the Western Gulf of Mexico is producing easterly winds which are blowing toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds are generating significant vertical wind shear and the shear is probably the reason for the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Tropical Storm Ramon will move through an environment that will be mostly unfavorable for intensification.  Ramon will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  So, there is enough energy in the upper ocean to support intensification.  However, the upper level ridge will continue to cause significant vertical wind shear, which will inhibit strengthening.  In addition Tropical Storm Ramon will move close to the coast of Mexico and interaction with land will further inhibit intensification.  If Tropical Storm Ramon survives the strong shear until it moves farther away from Mexico, then it might strengthen.  If Ramon moves closer to the coast or inland, then it is likely to weaken quickly.

Tropical Storm Ramon is moving south of a ridge which is steering it toward the west-northwest and that motion is expected to continue for the next day or two.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Ramon could pass very close to the coast of Mexico, which is why the Tropical Storm Watch was issued.  Even if the center of Ramon remains south of the coast, the northern part of the circulation could produce locally heavy rain and the potential for flash floods exists.