Tropical Storm Polo Is Set to Explode Into a Major Hurricane This Week

The western coast of Mexico has been put on alert for a rapidly intensifying tropical weather event. Read on for the details, including when and where the latest storm in the Pacific is expected to strike.

Latest on Tropical Storm Polo

Tropical Storm Polo is forecast to evolve into a major hurricane in the coming days, unleashing flooding rainfall, high winds, storm surge, and rough seas across the western edge of Mexico. As of the latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Polo was packing maximum winds of 65 mph as it crawls to the east at 5 mph.

The forecast models suggest that Polo will take a turn to the northwest as it turns into a hurricane early this week. The Mexican states of Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán should prepare for heavy rain by Tuesday. Widespread rain totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected across portions of coastal southwestern Mexico, while higher totals of 4 to 8 inches are on tap for the coasts of Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán.

Wind gusts in the coastal region of Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, and the southwestern corner of Nayarit are bracing for winds of 40 to 80 mph. Gusts reaching speeds of 40 to 60 mph are in the forecast for southern Baja California Sur.

The popular resort towns of Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas will be under the gun for high winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf conditions throughout the week. Beachgoers will want to pay close attention to posted warnings, especially before venturing out into the water.

The NHC said the storm could reach Category 4 hurricane status at its peak. The size of Polo will send large swells hundreds of miles from its center.

Forecasters warn that Polo could change directions several times in the next day or two, making it more difficult to forecast who will land in the impact zone. The impacts will be more severe should the storm move closer to Mexico's coastline.

Tropical Weather Traffic in the Eastern Pacific

Tropical Storm Polo joins Tropical Storm Odalys in the Eastern Pacific. Odalys is churning in the open seas and is not expected to impact land. In addition, a disturbance spinning hundreds of miles to the east-southeast of Hawaii is forecast to evolve into a named storm in the next week.

Although the U.S. will not see a direct hit from Polo, the moisture associated with the weather maker could filter up into the Southwest. This tropical moisture will amplify the lingering rain as the North American monsoon season winds down.

The Eastern Pacific continues to remain a hot zone of tropical activity. This action is forecast to persist in the weeks ahead, resulting in the possibility of large waves, rough seas, and coastal overwash for Southern California.

Weather changes fast, so help your community stay prepared. Share this story with friends, family, or your group chat, and keep your forecast in the now with Weather Forecast Now.