Tropical Storm Hector Continues its West-Northwestward Movement: Gradual Weakening Forecasted
Hector Latest Update: 5:00 AM HST, Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Tropical Storm Hector, which recently formed in the Eastern Pacific, continues to move away from land as it progresses west-northwestward.
As of the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) at 5:00 AM HST on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Hector remains a tropical storm, but gradual weakening is expected over the next 48 hours.
Current Location and Movement of Hector
At 5:00 AM HST, Tropical Storm Hector was located at latitude 17.6 North and longitude 128.7 West, placing it approximately 1,270 miles (2,045 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.
The storm is moving west-northwest at a speed of 12 mph (19 km/h). This general motion is expected to continue throughout the day, with Hector predicted to shift to a more westerly direction at a similar speed tonight and in the days that follow.
Current Wind Speed and Pressure of TS Hector
Tropical Storm Hector currently has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h), with higher gusts. The wind field of the storm has contracted slightly, with tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 90 miles (150 kilometers) from the center.
Hector’s minimum central pressure is now estimated at 1002 mb (29.59 inches). While this indicates a slight weakening, the storm continues to maintain its tropical storm status, albeit with minimal strength.
Tropical Storm Hector Forecast: Gradual Weakening Expected
Unlike earlier predictions that anticipated a potential increase in Hector’s intensity, the latest advisory suggests that Hector is unlikely to intensify further.
Instead, the storm is expected to maintain its current strength throughout the day, with gradual weakening beginning tonight and continuing through Wednesday.
Although Hector remains over warm waters, other environmental factors appear to be limiting its ability to strengthen. As the storm moves westward, cooler sea surface temperatures and increasing wind shear will likely contribute to its weakening trend.
Impact and Warnings for TS Hector
At this time, there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, as Hector remains far from land and is moving further into the open waters of the Eastern Pacific.
However, mariners and those in the surrounding maritime regions should continue to monitor the storm’s progress, especially if any unexpected changes in its track or intensity occur.
Overview of Tropical Storm Hector’s Path
As TS Hector continues on its west-northwestward path, it poses no direct threat to any land areas. The storm’s forward speed and movement direction are expected to keep it well away from major population centers, though its development will remain closely monitored as part of the 2024 hurricane season.
In summary, Tropical Storm Hector is forecasted to gradually weaken as it moves further west into the Pacific. While the storm does not currently pose a danger to land, ongoing monitoring is essential for ensuring that any changes in its behavior are promptly addressed.
For the latest updates on Tropical Storm Hector and other storms in the Eastern Pacific, stay tuned to the National Hurricane Center and other weather monitoring services.
Stay Updated: For more updates on tropical storms, including the latest on Hurricane Gilma, check out Global Weather and read our guide on How to Predict a Tropical Cyclone? Best Tips for Cyclone Prediction.
Advertisements
