Tropical Storm Elida Strengthens but Poses No Threat to Mexico

Tropical Storm Elida intensified into a Category 1 hurricane on July 17 but remained far from land, posing no threat to Mexico or populated areas, according to both the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) and Mexico's Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN). Source: Milenio; Source: Excélsior

Elida's path

Elida formed from depression Five-E on July 15 and gradually strengthened as it moved west-northwest over open Pacific waters. By Friday July 17 it was located about 1,065 km southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, with maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h. Source: Infobae; Source: Excélsior The NHC forecast that Elida would reach peak intensity as a Category 1 hurricane before weakening into a post-tropical cyclone early next week. Source: Milenio

New system Fausto under watch

Meanwhile, the SMN is monitoring a new low-pressure area associated with tropical wave No. 18, located about 595 km south of Técpan de Galeana, Guerrero. Its probability of cyclonic development jumped to 80% in 48 hours and 90% in seven days, meaning it could become Tropical Storm Fausto. Source: Heraldo de México This system could bring heavy rain and rough surf to states like Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Colima in the coming days.

Other active systems

The SMN also reported a third system, Tropical Depression Two, in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, about 775 km north-northeast of Cancún. Source: Infobae Heavy rainfall across multiple states is expected from the interaction of the Mexican monsoon, low-pressure channels, and atmospheric instability, with intense downpours forecast for Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, and Durango. Source: Infobae; Source: Excélsior

All three systems are being closely tracked, but only the low-pressure area off Guerrero carries a potential risk for Mexican landfall.