Tropical Storm Kiko has formed in the eastern Pacific Ocean, located approximately 1,680 kilometers west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. The system, which originated from Tropical Depression Eleven-E, is currently experiencing maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 75 km/h. Kiko is moving westward at a speed of 15 km/h.
Forecasters anticipate that Kiko will strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane by September 2nd. At that time, it is projected to be situated 2,120 km southwest of Punta Eugenia. Despite this expected intensification, the storm is not predicted to pose a direct threat to Mexico due to its current distance and projected path. The eastern Pacific hurricane season officially runs from May 15 to November 30, with peak activity typically occurring in late August.
While Kiko does not currently threaten any landmasses, its development serves as a reminder of the active weather patterns in the region. September is considered part of the hurricane season for Baja California, which can experience afternoon showers, although direct hurricane impacts are generally infrequent. Historically, the eastern Pacific basin has seen significant storm activity. For instance, Hurricane Kiko in 1989 was a powerful Category 3 storm that made landfall on Mexico's Baja California peninsula. More recently, in 2019, a Tropical Storm Kiko rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane before dissipating.
Current forecasts indicate that Kiko will continue its westward trajectory, with environmental conditions such as warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear expected to support steady strengthening. The storm is anticipated to reach hurricane intensity within the next 48 hours. Although Kiko is not projected to impact Mexico, its formation is part of the broader 2025 Pacific hurricane season, which has already featured storms like Alvin and Erick earlier in the year.