Tropical Storm Gil strengthens in busy Pacific Basin, ahead of potential increase in Atlantic activity
According to FOX Forecast Center, the large number of tropical systems in the Pacific Basin is notable as the large-scale atmospheric pattern driving the activity is forecast to move over into the Atlantic starting next week.
Two tropical storms and three areas to watch churn in the Pacific Ocean
The FOX Forecast Center is tracking a flurry of activity across the Pacific. Two named storms and now three disturbances are all active at this time. While none of these systems will may not impact land, the fact that there are so many systems in notable as the large scale atmospheric pattern driving the activity, is set to move over into the Atlantic starting next week.
HONOLULU – The Pacific Ocean is filled with tropical activity as forecasters track Tropical Storm Gil, which is strengthening as it moves into the Central Pacific Basin, in addition to several other disturbances that could get their own names in the coming days.
According to FOX Forecast Center, the large number of tropical systems in the Pacific Basin is notable as the large-scale atmospheric pattern driving the activity is forecast to move over into the Atlantic starting next week.
Tropical Storm Gil is currently some 920 miles southwest of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula and its maximum sustained winds increased to speeds of 65 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
HURRICANE CATEGORIES EXPLAINED: CATEGORY 1 | CATEGORY 2 | CATEGORY 3 | CATEGORY 4 | CATEGORY 5
Gil is expected to move west-northwest as it continues its trek into the Central Pacific Ocean. The NHC expects Gil to strengthen into a hurricane later Friday, with no forecast impacts on Hawaii.
Tropical Storm Iona holding steady, as new area to watch develops in Eastern Pacific
Tropical Storm Iona weakened slightly Friday morning with maximum sustained winds of 40mph, but is forecast to hold steady as it tracks to the west to the southwest of Hawaii. Iona reached major hurricane status earlier this week.
Forecasters are also monitoring several other areas for tropical development. Invest 92C, located due east of Iona, encountered hostile conditions Friday morning and is now no longer expected to develop, according to the NHC.
While Hawaii will likely see some increased wave action from these systems churning up the seas, these storms are also prompting Fire Weather Warnings for the nation's 50th state.
Meanwhile, another area to watch southwest of southwestern Mexico has a high chance of development over the next seven days.
And a new area to watch has formed south of Central America and has a low chance of development over the next seven days.
While the Atlantic Basin remains quiet, there are signs that activity will pick up in August.