MEXICO CITY — Tropical Storm Gil has emerged in the eastern Pacific Ocean, showing signs of intensifying, although it poses no immediate threat to land. Weather experts reported on Thursday that the storm is predicted to remain over open waters and might escalate into a hurricane by Friday, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center based in Miami.
Currently, the storm is positioned approximately 785 miles or 1,263 kilometers south-southwest of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. With maximum sustained winds reaching 45 mph (72 kph), Gil is advancing westward at a speed of 15 mph (24 kph).
As of now, there are no coastal watches or warnings issued, and meteorologists expect the storm to veer west-northwest in the days ahead. The emergence of Gil highlights a particularly active period for storm development in the eastern Pacific.
In related weather activities, Tropical Storm Iona is making its way westward in the Pacific Ocean. Situated about 860 miles (1,384 kilometers) southwest of Honolulu, Iona boasts maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (80 kph). Initially classified as a hurricane, it has since weakened and, much like Gil, does not pose a current threat to land.
Meteorologists have said there is the potential for further storm development in the eastern Pacific over the forthcoming days, suggesting ongoing tracking and monitoring of weather patterns in the region is advisable.