New Tropical System Developing in Eastern Pacific?

news image
Top Stories
15 Jul 2018 2:05 PM
A new tropical low in the Eastern Pacific has a high chance of developing into a tropical cyclone in the next few days as it moves to the west, though it's no direct threat to land at this point. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) put about 70 percent odds on Sunday afternoon that a tropical low in the Eastern Pacific could develop into a named storm in the next five days as it tracks westward. The good news: The system isn't expected to pose a direct impact to land, but it could lead to an enhancement of showers and thunderstorms on the Hawaiian islands next week, depending on how close it passes to the island chain. The majority of the rain at this point, though, appears as if it should stay south of Hawaii. One catch: Because this system is relatively far west for the Eastern Pacific's territory under hurricane center guidelines, it may form in the NHC's Central Pacific zone. Once the system crosses the 40° west longitude line, it would officially be part of the Central Pacific's responsibility, meaning it'd get a different name. In short: If the storm develops into a Tropical Storm east of 140° West, it'd get the name Gilma, falling under the Eastern Pacific territory. If it was west of 140° West, it'd be named Walaka, falling under the Central Pacific zone. After an extremely fast start that included two major hurricanes, the Eastern Pacific has overall calmed down considerably in the last few weeks. If this storm develops in the Eastern Pacific, it'd be the seventh named storm of the season here, but the first since Fabio dissipated over a week ago on July 6th. That said, the climatological peak for hurricane season here isn't usually until late August and into September, so there is plenty of time for this basin to produce more tropical activity. Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on the tropics. For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Chris Bianchi
All Weather News
More
Stormy Days Ahead for the Northeast and Mid-Alantic

Stormy Days Ahead for the Northeast and Mid-Alantic

The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions will k

9 May 2025 3:15 AM
Severe Thunderstorm Threat from Texas to Florida

Severe Thunderstorm Threat from Texas to Florida

A splitting storm system will bring the threa

9 May 2025 3:05 AM
Late Week Heat Back in the West

Late Week Heat Back in the West

WEST - Hazardous heat is back in the forecast

9 May 2025 3:05 AM
Southeast Soaker This Weekend

Southeast Soaker This Weekend

A large trough of low pressure stalls over th

8 May 2025 1:40 AM
Major Spring Storm Continues With Rain & Snow For the Rockies

Major Spring Storm Continues With Rain & Snow For the Rockies

Looking at the rain from a glass half full le

7 May 2025 12:40 PM
Flooding Threat Takes Aim at the Gulf Coast

Flooding Threat Takes Aim at the Gulf Coast

The forecast remains wet in the southern plai

7 May 2025 2:00 AM
Rainy Forecast Could Disrupt Kentucky Derby

Rainy Forecast Could Disrupt Kentucky Derby

Louisville is gearing up for the 151st Kentuc

3 May 2025 4:30 PM