Janice R. Andrews
Miami (WGN) — Hurricane Gilma quickly grew into a Category 2 storm in the eastern Pacific Ocean. As it continues to get stronger, meteorologists are becoming more worried. The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) in Miami said Wednesday afternoon that Gilma could become a major hurricane by Thursday and could even get stronger and become a Category 4 storm.
Where You Are Now and Where You Are Going
When the most recent report came out, Hurricane Gilma was about 975 miles (1,570 kilometres) west-southwest of Mexico’s southernmost point on the Baja California peninsula. With a speed of 7 mph (11 kph), the storm is going west to northwest. Gilma stays far away from land on this path, but experts are keeping a close eye on its progress because it could get stronger still.
Speed and Shape of the Wind
Gilma has had continuous winds of up to 105 mph (165 kph), and hurricane-force winds can be felt up to 30 miles (48 kilometres) from the centre of the storm. Even farther away, up to 125 miles (205 km) from the centre, tropical storm-force winds create a wide and strong wind field. Based on these numbers, Gilma seems to be a well-organised system, and things are set up well for it to keep getting stronger.
Predictions and Possible Intensification
The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) has warned that Gilma is likely to keep getting stronger. By Thursday, the storm should have reached Category 3 status and be a major hurricane, which means it will have winds that don’t stop at least 111 mph (178 kph). Gilma could also get stronger and become a Category 4 storm by Thursday afternoon, with winds of more than 130 mph (209 kph).
The warm ocean waters and low wind shear in the eastern Pacific, which are good for storm growth, are to blame for this possible strengthening. Based on how it is moving now, the storm looks like it will stay over open water, which could help it get stronger.
There are no coastal warnings in effect
Even though Gilma is getting stronger, there are no marine watches or warnings in effect right now. The storm is expected to stay far away from people, so it won’t be a major threat to land right away. Forecasters stress, though, how important it is to stay up to date, since things could change if Gilma’s path changes without warning.
Historical Background and Comparisons
The quick strengthening of Hurricane Gilma shows how random tropical storms in the Pacific Ocean can be. In the past few years, a number of storms have become much stronger than expected, which has surprised experts and had big effects on coastal towns. Gilma is not expected to hit land, but its progress is being closely watched because it could show larger trends in the activity of Pacific hurricanes.
The eastern Pacific has been the site of some of the strongest storms in recorded history. The strongest tropical storm ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere was Hurricane Patricia in 2015. It had winds that never stopped reaching 215 mph (345 kph). Even though Gilma isn’t supposed to get that strong, the speed with which it’s getting stronger is a stark warning of how powerful these storms can be.
What will happen to marine interests?
Gilma’s current path doesn’t pose an immediate threat to land, but it could have big effects on marine events in the eastern Pacific. Ships that are working in the area are told to be careful and keep an eye on reports from the NHC. The storm’s growing wind field and its potential to get stronger could make conditions dangerous for ships, especially those that are sailing close to the storm’s path.
Watching and Being Ready
The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) will keep the public and mariners aware of any changes in Gilma’s strength or path by sending out regular reports. Coastal towns don’t need to take any action right away, but people who live on the Baja California peninsula and in the places around it should stay alert and ready in case the storm’s path changes.
Meteorologists also want people to use this time to go over their plans for how to be ready for a storm. The 2024 Pacific hurricane season is still going strong, so even though Gilma isn’t a direct threat to land right now, other storms could form in the next few weeks.
Moving Forward
storm Gilma is getting stronger quickly and could become a major storm by Thursday. This shows how important it is to stay informed during hurricane season. The storm is expected to stay over open water for now, but its progress shows how powerful and unpredictable tropical systems can be in the eastern Pacific.
The NHC will keep a close eye on Gilma and send reports as the storm gets worse. For now, people who live in the area or have a stake in the maritime industry are told to keep an eye on government forecasts and warnings to make sure they are ready for anything.
