Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The National Meteorological Service (SMN) in Mexico has issued a critical update this Thursday, highlighting the monitoring of two low-pressure areas, one of which is located along the Mexican Pacific coast. This area, currently situated approximately 220 kilometers southwest of Acapulco, presents a significant concern for the region, including Puerto Vallarta.
The SMN, an agency under the National Water Commission (Conagua), has indicated that there is a possibility of the low-pressure area developing into a tropical cyclone within the next seven days. The states of Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas are currently on high alert due to this potential cyclonic activity.
According to the US National Hurricane Center, satellite imagery has confirmed the formation of a broad area of low pressure a few hundred kilometers southwest of Acapulco. The system is expected to undergo slow development over the weekend and into the early part of next week as it gradually moves east-southeast.
If this low-pressure zone evolves, it will first become a tropical wave. With maximum sustained winds reaching up to 64 km/h, it would then be classified as a tropical depression. Should the winds intensify to between 64 and 117 km/h, the phenomenon would be upgraded to a tropical storm and receive the name “Aletta.” In the event that the system further strengthens to produce winds of 118 km/h or more, it would achieve hurricane status, categorized into one of five levels based on wind intensity.
The Pacific hurricane season, which commenced on May 15 and concludes on November 30, is the period during which cyclonic activity is most likely to occur. Although this season marks the highest probability for such developments, it does not necessarily mean that rains will occur throughout this timeframe.
Should “Aletta” materialize into a storm, the Mexican Pacific coast, including Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, could experience significant rainfall and related weather disturbances.
Residents and visitors in Puerto Vallarta are advised to stay informed and prepared as the situation evolves. Local authorities and meteorological services will continue to provide updates and necessary warnings to ensure the safety and well-being of those in potentially affected areas.
