By Natalia Rueda 
The hurricane season continues to be tumultuous, and meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) have reported a steady intensification of Tropical Storm Carlotta. Formed in the open waters of the Pacific near the Mexican coast, Carlotta is anticipated to gather enough strength to be classified as a hurricane tonight or tomorrow.
Although Carlotta is not expected to make a direct hit on the United States, its initial effects are already being felt along the Mexican coast. According to the NHC, the storm has reached maximum sustained winds of 80 kph (50 mph) and is just over 550 kilometers from the city of Manzanillo, Mexico.
With the possibility of heavy rain and powerful winds, residents of west-central Mexico and the southern Baja California peninsula are on alert. The storm surge forecast issued by the NHC indicates that the coasts of these regions are expected to be affected starting Thursday.
While Tropical Storm #Carlotta may be dealing with some dry air right now, it has continued to strengthen, now with winds of 60 mph and a pressure of 997 mb. Continued strengthening is expected and #Carlotta is forecasted to peak as a Category 2 hurricane with 105 mph winds. pic.twitter.com/pjDxEiN2do
— Gabe Spanbroek (@SouthFLwx04) August 1, 2024
With the hurricane season already proving to be particularly eventful this year, Carlotta joins the list of multiple storms forming in the Pacific. Although it is intensifying, so far it does not pose a direct threat to land as it moves farther and farther offshore.
However, one should not let their guard down, the NHC continues to closely monitor Carlotta’s path and urges everyone to stay informed of any developments. Meanwhile, the Mexican coast continues to prepare for what could be another display of Mother Nature’s unpredictable wrath.