Storm Aletta path: First tropical storm of year to hit Mexico as it develops to hurricane
STORM Aletta has been named as the first tropical storm of the 2018 East Pacific hurricane season as it heads to the southwest coast of Mexico after it was formed in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
Forecasters say Aletta, which is just over 400 miles off the Mexican coast, will strengthen to a category one hurricane by Thursday morning or early on Friday and move west into the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Storm Aletta is the first tropical storm that was named in the eastern north Pacific Basin this season, earlier than the start of the official hurricane season on June 1.
It had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and was moving northwest at 9 mph.
The National Hurricane Centre said the tropical cyclone was centered around 350 miles, south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, on Wednesday morning.
They said Aletta could experience a rapid intensification, with a maximum sustained wind of 35mph in 24 hours or less.
AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said: "Aletta should become a hurricane Friday or during the upcoming weekend."
Satellite images show thunderstorms near Aletta's centre and high clouds near to the north suggests the storm as a good outflow aloft to support strengthening.
The tip of Baja is the most exposed area and will see the strongest swell as a result.
NOAA SATELLITES
NOAA SATELLITES
NHC
Storm Aletta is just over 400 miles off the Mexican coast
The Atlantic Basin remains inactive and the storm currently has a zero threat to life or land.
However this could change when the waters continue to get warmer as the hurricane season continues to progress.
Meanwhile, widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected from Oaxaca to Jalisco through Friday.
A second tropical threat is expected to develop south of southern Mexico this weekend or early next week.