...
By Joe Edwards
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The National Hurricane Center has announced that a tropical storm in the eastern Pacific has strengthened to become Hurricane Kiko.
Why It Matters
No coastal watches or warnings were immediately in effect, the NHC said.
Read More on U.S.
The Pacific has already seen multiple named systems so far in the 2025 season, including Barbara, Flossie, Iona, and Henriette.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) previously indicated that a below-normal season is likely for the eastern Pacific, with 12 to 18 named storms, five to ten hurricanes, and two to five major hurricanes.
What To Know
The NHC stated that Kiko is moving west at approximately 7 miles per hour, and this movement is expected to continue over the next couple of days.
"Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 75 mph (120 km/h) with higher gusts," the agency wrote in an update on Tuesday morning, adding that "steady strengthening" is forecast during the days ahead.
According to the NHC, hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the system's center, with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 60 miles.
...
"Kiko is over very warm water right now and it is expected to become a Category 2 hurricane by tomorrow morning, although its possible it could get there later today. Due to the very warm water, it cannot be ruled out that the hurricane could reach major hurricane status over the next few days," AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva told Newsweek.
Forecasters were simultaneously monitoring Tropical Depression Twelve-E, which the agency said was expected to strengthen later on Tuesday.
Heavy rainfall east and northeast of the depression is expected to continue affecting parts of northwestern Mexico, from Colima to Sinaloa, on Wednesday, bringing the risk of isolated flash flooding in mountainous areas, according to the NHC.
By Wednesday, rain bands are forecast to reach Baja California Sur and could persist through Saturday. Totals of four to eight inches are possible, though amounts may vary depending on the storm's track and intensity, it said.
...
Meanwhile, a tropical wave in the eastern Atlantic was also under watch. Meteorologists previously indicated this disturbance has the potential to spawn Tropical Storm Gabrielle, which would be the seventh named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.
In an update on Tuesday morning, the NHC gave the disturbance, located south of the Cabo Verde islands, a 60 percent chance of cyclone formation through seven days—an increase from the 40 percent probability reported a day prior.
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva told Newsweek: "There is still a lot of time to watch Kiko. It is certainly possible that the storm could trend north or south of the [Hawaiian] islands and bring little to no direct impacts. There is also the possibility that the storm could bring rain and wind impacts to the islands.
"As the storm approaches the islands, it will move over cooler water, which should help to reduce the wind intensity of the storm. Regardless, we urge everyone with interests in Hawaii to follow the AccuWeather forecast very closely as small shifts in track can have major implications of the direct impacts felt on the islands."
Meteorologist Ryan Maue said in a post on X, Monday: "Tropical Storm Kiko in the Eastern Pacific well east of Hawaii has formed a nice eye on visible satellite imagery.
"No doubt a hurricane & appears to be rapidly intensifying ... earlier models suggested Cat 4 maximum."
What Happens Next
The NHC issues regular forecast updates on its website and social media channels, with the eastern Pacific hurricane season officially running through November 30.
Update 09/02/25, 7:33 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 09/02/25, 11:57 a.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from Alex DaSilva.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines