Tropical Storm Flossie to become hurricane early this week

In Mexico, Tropical Storm Flossie has formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the southwestern coast, with expectations to strengthen into a hurricane this week. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Flossie, located about 240 miles south of Acapulco, is moving westward at 9 mph and has achieved maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Zihuatanejo to Cabo Corrientes, and the system is anticipated to produce rainfall between 3 and 6 inches, potentially leading to life-threatening flooding and mudslides in steep terrains. Furthermore, Hurricane Hunters are investigating a separate area of disturbed weather over Central America, which may also gain tropical development as it moves over the Bay of Campeche. Although the odds of significant development in this case are low, it is hoped that the system will provide beneficial rainfall to drought-affected regions of Mexico. Meanwhile, another area to monitor has emerged off the Southeast coast of the United States, which could impact travel plans during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. The NHC indicated that low pressure could develop from the remnants of a frontal boundary by the end of the week, although the chances of development remain low. This could affect a record-breaking number of travelers expected for the holiday weekend. Overall, the Eastern Pacific hurricane season has been notably active, with Flossie being the sixth named storm this season, illustrating contrasting tropical activity compared to the Atlantic Basin, where only two named storms have occurred. The season runs from May 15 to November 30, and environmental conditions in the Atlantic have been more suppressed, whereas the Eastern Pacific is experiencing heightened activity, indicating a complex interaction of atmospheric factors influencing tropical cyclone development.