MEXICAN COAST - Since strengthening into a hurricane this past Monday, Dolores is now expected to become a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) within the next few days.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Hurricane Dolores was located approximately 250 miles southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico, and has continued to move Northwesterly since. According to the Weather Advisory Service, Dolores is expected to continue strengthening over the next 24 to 48 hours as it heads towards the Northwest. By this weekend, however, Dolores is forecast to weaken back to Tropical Storm strength as it moves over cooler ocean waters.
While its hard to know exactly what impact Dolores will have as of now, the latest forecast guidance from the Weather Advisory Service shows potential for tropical moisture to push into both Southern California and Western Arizona this weekend. The service is reporting that this Sunday may see record amounts of rainfall impacting the Central Coast. For example, the forecast is now showing Dolores will bring moisture directly into the Santa Barbara coast Monday morning, carrying rainfall amounts of 1.5 to 2 inches.
Dolores is not expected to hit shore at any point as of now, but high surf and tides may be a risk. According to Mexico's National Meteorological Service, waves of 10 to 13 feet are expected along the coast of the states of Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacan. High surf will also develop along the southern Baja peninsula coast Tuesday and continue through the week.
Keep watching AndNowUKnow for continued updates on Hurricane Dolores.
