PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – The National Water Commission (Conagua) announced that Tropical Storm Arlene, the first named storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, has been downgraded to a tropical depression. Arlene had initially formed in the Atlantic Basin, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to parts of southeastern Mexico.
According to the latest reports, the center of Arlene is currently situated 230 kilometers west-southeast of Dry Tortugas, Florida, and 355 kilometers northeast of Cabo Catoche, Quintana Roo.
The depression is moving southeast at a rate of 11 kilometers per hour and is still presenting maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour. Conagua noted that the storm has caused waves measuring one to two meters on the coast of Quintana Roo.
The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1, with early forecasts suggesting that the season’s activity could be within the average range. It is, however, unclear how the El Niño climate phenomenon will impact the season’s progression.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) previously issued a report on May 25, predicting that there could be at least 12 named storms in the Atlantic during this hurricane season, with five to nine expected to escalate into hurricanes. According to NOAA, at least one of these could further develop into a major hurricane.
Conagua’s data compilation indicates that the states potentially most at risk from these cyclones include Baja California Sur, Veracruz, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Sonora, Oaxaca, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Jalisco. These areas should remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impacts.
The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season was marked by the formation of 14 named storms. Nine of them, namely Bonnie, Danielle, Earl, Fiona, Ian, Julia, Lisa, Martin, and Nicole, reached hurricane status. This serves as a reminder that hurricane preparation should be taken seriously, despite the uncertain nature of each year’s hurricane season.
With the downgrade of Arlene to a tropical depression, it appears the 2023 hurricane season has begun on a relatively calm note. However, residents in vulnerable areas are urged to stay informed and be prepared for what may come in the months ahead.
