Typhoon Bolaven Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Typhoon Bolaven rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Western North Pacific Ocean north of Guam on Tuesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Bolaven was located at latitude 16.4°N and longitude 144.3°E which put it about 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Tinian. Bolaven was moving toward the north-northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (230 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 959 mb.

A Typhoon Warning was in effect for Rota, Tinian and Saipan. A Typhoon Watch was in effect for Guam. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Guam.

Typhoon Bolaven brought strong winds and heavy rain to Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. The center of Bolaven passed between Rota and Tinian and the strongest winds likely occurred in those places. A weather station in Saipan reported a sustained wind speed of 49 m.p.h. (79 km/h) and a wind gust of 68 m.p.h. (110 km/h). A weather station at Guam International Airport reported a sustained wind speed of 32 m.p.h. (52 km/h) and a wind gust of 46 m.p.h. (74 km/h). That weather station also measured 4.54 inches (115.3 mm) of rain.

Typhoon Bolaven began to intensify rapidly as it moved west of the Marianas. A small circular eye with a diameter of 14 miles (22 km) developed at the center of Bolaven’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Bolaven. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Bolaven increased when it intensified on Tuesday. Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Bolaven’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Bolaven was 20.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 11.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 32.1.

Typhoon Bolaven will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Bolaven will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Bolaven will intensify during the next 24 hours. Bolaven could intensify rapidly at times. Typhoon Bolaven could strengthen to the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

Typhoon Bolaven will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Bolaven toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the Typhoon Bolaven will stay west of the Marianas during the next 24 hours.

Lidia Rapidly Intensifies to a Major Hurricane Southwest of Puerto Vallarta

Hurricane Lidia rapidly intensified to a major hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday afternoon. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Lidia was located at latitude 19.2°N and longitude 107.2°W which put it about 155 miles (255 km) southwest of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Lidia was moving toward the east-northeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 135 m.p.h. (220 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 959 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to El Roblito, Mexico. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for Las Islas Marias. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from El Roblito to Mazatlan, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to Punta San Telmo, Mexico.

Hurricane Lidia rapidly intensified to a major hurricane on Tuesday. A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter plane reported a circular eye with a diameter of 17 miles (28 km) was present at the center of Lidia’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Lidia. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Lidia increased on Tuesday. Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Lidia. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 20.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 8.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 29.1. Hurricane Lidia was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Zeta when Zeta made landfall in Louisiana in 2020.

Hurricane Lidia will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Lidia will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is west of Baja California. The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lidia’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Hurricane Lidia will intensity during the next few hours. Lidia could continue to intensify rapidly.

The upper level trough west of Baja California will steer Hurricane Lidia toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Hurricane Lidia will make landfall near Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday evening. Lidia will be a major hurricane when it makes landfall. Hurricane Lidia will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain. The strong winds will be capable of causing major damage. Regional outages of electricity are likely. Heavy rain will fall in Jalisco and Nayarit. The heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Hurricane Lidia could cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along the coast of Jalisco.

Hurricane Lidia Approaches West Coast of Mexico

Hurricane Lidia was approaching the west coast of Mexico on Tuesday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Lidia was located at latitude 18.8°N and longitude 108.3°W which put it about 235 miles (380 km) west-southwest of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Lidia was moving toward the east-northeast at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 977 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Playa Perula to Escuinapa, Mexico. A Hurricane Warning is also in effect for Las Islas Marias. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to Playa Perula, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Escuinapa to Mazatlan, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning is also in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to Playa Perula, Mexico.

Hurricane Lidia was intensifying as it approached the west coast of Mexico on Tuesday morning. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Lidia’s circulation. The strongest winds were occurring near the center of circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Lidia. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Lidia. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Lidia will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Lidia will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is west of Baja California. The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lidia’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Hurricane Lidia will intensity during the next few hours. Lidia could intensify rapidly.

The upper level trough west of Baja California will steer Hurricane Lidia toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Hurricane Lidia will make landfall near Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday evening. Lidia will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain. The strong winds will be capable of causing serious damage. Outages of electricity are likely. Heavy rain will fall in Jalisco and Nayarit. The heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Hurricane Lidia could cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along the coast of Jalisco.

Bolaven Strengthens to a Typhoon East of Guam

Former Tropical Storm Bolaven strengthened to a typhoon east of Guam on Monday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Bolaven was located at latitude 14.0°N and longitude 146.0°E which put it about 110 miles (175 km) east of Guam. Bolaven was moving toward the northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

A Typhoon Warning was in effect for Rota, Tinian and Saipan. A Typhoon Watch was in effect for Guam. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for Guam.

Former Tropical Storm Bolaven strengthened to a typhoon as it neared the Marianas on Monday night. A circular eye formed at the center of Bolaven’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Bolaven. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The size of the circulation around Bolaven increased when it intensified on Monday. Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Bolaven’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Bolaven will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Bolaven will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Typhoon Bolaven will intensify during the next 24 hours. Bolaven could intensify rapidly at times.

Typhoon Bolaven will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Bolaven toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center Typhoon Bolaven will pass near Rota in a few hours.

Typhoon Bolaven will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Rota, Tinian and Saipan. The strongest winds are likely to occur in Rota and Tinian. Bolaven will also produce gusty winds and heavy rain in Guam. The strong winds will be capable of causing damage and electricity outages are likely. Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Max Brings Wind and Rain to Southern Mexico

Tropical Storm Max brought wind and rain to southern Mexico on Monday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Max was located at latitude 17.6°N and longitude 101.0°W which put it about 40 miles (65 km) east of Zihuantenajo, Mexico. Max was moving toward the north-northeast 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 995 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Acapulco to Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico.

The center of Tropical Storm Max made landfall on the coast of Mexico between Petatlan and Papanoa on Monday afternoon. The maximum sustained wind speed in Tropical Storm Max at the time of landfall was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Max’s circulation. A weather station at Puerto Vicente Guerrero reported a sustained wind speed of 41 m.p.h. (66 km/h) and a wind gust of 72 m.p.h. (116 km/h).

Tropical Storm Max will move around the western side of a high pressure system over the Caribbean Sea and Mexico. The high pressure system will steer max toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Max will move inland over Guerrero during Monday night.

Tropical Storm Max will weaken rapidly when it moves over the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains in Gurrero. Even though Max will weaken rapidly, the tropical storm is likely to drop locally heavy rain in parts of Guerrero. The heaviest rain will fall in places where the winds push the air up the slopes of mountains. The heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Lidia was on the threshold of intensifying to a hurricane south of Baja California. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Lidia was located at latitude 18.1°N and longitude 110.9°W which put it about 340 miles (545 km) south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Lidia was moving toward the east-northeast at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 985 mb.

Tropical Storm Lidia is forecast to intensify to a hurricane as it moves toward the west coast of Mexico on Monday night. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Playa Perula to Escuinapa, Mexico. A Hurricane Warning is also in effect for Las Islas Marias. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Escuinapa to Bahia Tempehuaya, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning is also in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to Playa Perula, Mexico.

Tropical Storm Max Approaches Mexico

Tropical Storm Max was approaching the coast of Mexico near Zihuatanejo on Monday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Max was located at latitude 17.1°N and longitude 101.2°W which put it about 50 miles (80 km) south-southeast of Zihuantenajo, Mexico. Max was moving toward the north-northeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 996 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Acapulco to Punta San Telmo, Mexico.

Tropical Storm Max intensified as it neared the coast of southwest Mexico near Zihuatanejo on Monday morning. A rainband wrapped around the southern part of the center of Max’s circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Max. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Max’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Max will move around the western side of a high pressure system over the Caribbean Sea and Mexico. The high pressure system will steer max toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Max will make landfall on the coast of Mexico near Zihuatenajo in a few hours.

Tropical Storm Max will move through an environment favorable for intensification until it makes landfall. Max will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge that extends from Mexico to the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Max’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Max could intensify a little more before it makes landfall in Mexico.

Tropical Storm Max will bring gusty winds to the coast of southwest Mexico. Max will also drop heavy rain of parts of Guerrero and Michoacan. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Storm Max could cause a storm surge of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) along the coast near Zihuatanejo.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Lidia started to move northeast toward the west coast of Mexico. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Lidia was located at latitude 18.5°N and longitude 111.8°W which put it about 350 miles (525 km) south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Lidia was moving toward the northeast at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 992 mb.

Tropical Storm Lidia is forecast to intensify to a hurricane as it moves toward the west coast of Mexico. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Playa Perula to Escuinapa, Mexico. A Hurricane Warning is also in effect for Las Islas Marias. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Escuinapa to Bahia Tempehuaya, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning is also in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to Playa Perula, Mexico.

Tropical Storm Bolaven Moves Toward the Marianas

Tropical Storm Bolaven moved toward the Marianas on Sunday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Bolaven was located at latitude 11.1°N and longitude 149.9°E which put it about 410 miles (660 km) east-southeast of Guam. Bolaven was moving toward the west-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 992 mb.

A Typhoon Watch was in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for Guam.

Tropical Storm Bolaven strengthened on Sunday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Bolaven’s circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (100 km) from the center of Bolaven.

Tropical Storm Bolaven will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Bolaven will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Bolaven’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Bolaven is likely to intensify to a typhoon during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Bolaven will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Bolaven toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Bolaven will move closer to the Marianas. Bolaven could reach the Marianas in less than 36 hours. Bolaven will very likely be a typhoon when it reaches the Marianas.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Typhoon Koinu made landfall on the coast of China west of Hong Kong on Sunday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Koinu was located at latitude 21.5°N and longitude 112.9°E which put it about 75 miles (120 km) west-southeast of Hong Kong. Koinu was moving toward the west at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

Tropical Storm Max Forms Near Southwest Mexico

Tropical Storm Max formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean near the coast of southwest Mexico on Sunday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Max was located at latitude 16.3°N and longitude 101.9°W which put it about 100 miles (160 km) south-southwest of Zihuantenajo, Mexico. Max was moving toward the north-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 1001 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Acapulco to Punta San Telmo, Mexico.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean near the southwest coast of Mexico strengthened during Sunday evening and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Max. More thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Storm Max on Sunday evening. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Max’s circulation. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Wind to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of Max.

Tropical Storm Max will move around the western side of a high pressure system over the Caribbean Sea and Mexico. The high pressure system will steer max toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Max will make landfall on the coast of Mexico west of Zihuatenajo on Monday evening.

Tropical Storm Max will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours. Max will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge that extends from Mexico to the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Max’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Max is likely to intensify before it makes landfall in Mexico.

Tropical Storm Max will bring gusty winds to the coast of southwest Mexico. Max will also drop heavy rain of parts of Guerrero and Michoacan. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Lidia continued to meander south of Baja California. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Lidia was located at latitude 18.2°N and longitude 112.6°W which put it about 370 miles (595 km) south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Lidia was moving toward the north at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

Tropical Storm Lidia is forecast to start to move toward the northeast on Monday and to strengthen to a hurricane. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Las Islas Marias and the portion of the coast from Playa Perula to Mazatlan, Mexico. Tropical Storm Watches are in effect for the portions of the coast from Manzanillo to Playa Perula and from Bahia Tempehuaya to Mazatlan, Mexico.

Typhoon Koinu Lingers Near Hong Kong

Typhoon Koinu lingered over the Western North Pacific Ocean near Hong Kong on Saturday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Koinu was located at latitude 21.4°N and longitude 114.4°E which put it about 65 miles (105 km) south-southeast of Hong Kong. Koinu was moving toward the west-northwest at 4 m.p.h. (6 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 968 mb.

Typhoon Koinu weakened gradually on Saturday as it lingered near Hong Kong. Since Koinu moved very slowly, the strong winds in the lower atmosphere mixed cooler water to the surface of the ocean. Koinu was unable to extract as much energy from the cooler water and the typhoon weakened. Thunderstorms in Typhoon Koinu did not rise quite as high into the atmosphere.

Even though Typhoon Koinu weakened on Saturday, it still exhibited a well organized circulation. A very small eye was present at the center of Koinu’s circulation. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the existing eye and eyewall, and concentric eyewalls could be developing. Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the small core of Typhoon Koinu. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Koinu decreased as Koinu gradually weakened. Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Koinu’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Koinu was 16.5. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 8.6. and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 25.1.

Typhoon Koinu will move through an environment somewhat unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Koinu will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C. It will move under axis of an upper level ridge over China. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. However, strong winds in the lower atmosphere will continue to mix cooler water to the surface of the ocean. In addition, the circulation around the northern side of Typhoon Koinu could draw in some drier air from China. Typhoon Koinu is likely to continue to weaken gradually during the next 24 hours due to the mix of cooler water to the surface of the ocean.

Typhoon Koinu will move will move around the southern part of a high pressure system over eastern Asia. The high pressure system will steer Koinu slowly toward the west during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center Typhoon Koinu will move south of Hong Kong on Sunday.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 15W strengthened to Tropical Storm Bolaven east-southeast of Guam. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Bolaven was located at latitude 9.6°N and longitude 152.9°E which put it about 630 miles (1020 km) east-southeast of Guam. Bolaven was moving toward the west-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 1000 mb. Typhoon Watches were in effect for Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan.

Tropical Storm Lidia Meanders South of Baja California

Tropical Storm Lidia meandered over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Baja California on Saturday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Lidia was located at latitude 16.2°N and longitude 112.2°W which put it about 485 miles (780 km) south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Lidia was moving toward the west-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 995 mb.

Tropical Storm Lidia meandered slowly south of Baja California on Saturday. The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Lidia continued to be asymmetrical on Saturday. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in a bands in the southern and western parts of Lidia’s circulation. Bands in the northern and eastern parts of Tropical Storm Lidia consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Lidia’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of Lidia’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Lidia will move through an environment that will be marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Lidia 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 that extends from Mexico to the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lidia’s circulation. Those winds will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear is likely to inhibit intensification of Tropical Storm Lidia during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Lidia will be in an area where the steering currents are weak during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Lidia is likely to continue to meander the south of Baja California on Sunday. An upper level trough west of California will move closer to Lidia on Monday. The upper level trough is likely to steer Lidia toward the northeast early next week. Lidia could approach the west coast of Mexico by Tuesday. Tropical Storm Lidia could strengthen to a hurricane as it approaches the coast of Mexico.