Former Tropical Storm Alvin strengthened into a hurricane southwest of Baja California on Thursday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Alvin was located at latitude 17.4°N and longitude 115.4°W which put it about 520 miles (840 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Alvin was moving toward the northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 992 mb.

The circulation around Hurricane Alvin exhibited much greater organization on Wednesday.  A small circular eye with a diameter of 10 miles (15 km) appeared at the center of circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  The circulation around Hurricane Alvin was very small.  Winds to hurricane force extended out only 10 miles (15 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 50 miles (80 km) from the center.

Hurricane Alvin may be near its maximum intensity.  Alvin was moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperature was near 27°C.  However, it will move over cooler water on Friday.  The small size of the circulation around Hurricane Alvin could allow it to weaken quickly once it moves over the cooler water.

Hurricane Alvin will move near the western end of a subtropical ridge over Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The ridge will steer Alvin toward the west-northwest during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Hurricane Alvin is forecast to weaken when it moves over colder water between Baja California and Hawaii.