8/6 – Payton’s Tropical Update

GULF OF MEXICO: No tropical development expected over the next five days.

CARIBBEAN: No tropical development expected over the next five days.

ATLANTIC: A non-tropical low is about 1200 miles southwest of the Azores. It is currently struggling to gather tropical/subtropical characteristics, but will encounter somewhat more favorable conditions to do so over the next few days. It has a low chance of development, and even if it does develop it will remain over open waters and not pose a threat to the United States.

EASTERN PACIFIC: The Eastern Pacific continues to be very very active with three named storms and fourth likely on the way. The first is Tropical Storm Ileana just off the coast of Mexico. It will continue to move to the northwest toward Cabo as it strengthens into a weak hurricane. To the west of Ileana is Tropical Storms John. It will continue to strengthen into a major hurricane this week as it moves toward the northwest. It will actually start to interact with Ileana and eventually consume the weaker Ileana. Just to the west of John is an area of storms that will likely form into Kristy later this week. Kristy would likely move toward the northwest and could eventually interact with John as well. Hurricane Hector continues to remain a dangerous category 4 storm moving to the west. It will pass just south of Hawaii Wednesday into Thursday. Although it won’t make landfall in Hawaii, it will be close enough to cause rough seas, rainfall and gusty winds. Monitor the forecast closely if you plan to visit Cabo or Hawaii this week.