The National Hurricane Center in Miami announced on Sunday that Tropical Storm Karina has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane in the Pacific Ocean. The system now boasts maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h), meeting the criteria for a Category 1 hurricane.
Location and movement
At the time of the advisory, Karina’s center was situated about 820 miles (1,325 km) southwest of the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. The storm is tracking northwest at roughly 15 mph (24 km/h), moving further out into open water and posing no immediate threat to populated areas.
Potential impacts
Although the cyclone is expected to remain well away from land, the National Hurricane Center warned that swells generated by Karina could create dangerous surf and rip‑current conditions along parts of southwest Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula. Coastal residents and beachgoers are advised to stay alert to local advisories and avoid swimming in hazardous conditions.
Other Pacific systems
The advisory also noted that Tropical Storm Lowell is located about 1,150 miles (1,850 km) southeast of Hawaii. Like Karina, Lowell is forecast to stay far from land and does not pose a direct threat.
Season outlook
In a broader context, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has projected a below‑average Atlantic hurricane season for 2026, attributing the trend to El Niño conditions. NOAA’s seasonal forecast calls for eight to 14 named storms, with three to six expected to reach hurricane strength and one to three potentially intensifying into major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).
Residents of coastal regions, particularly those along Mexico’s Pacific shoreline, should continue to monitor local weather updates and heed any safety recommendations issued by authorities. While Karina is not expected to make landfall, its associated surf and rip‑current hazards underscore the importance of staying informed during active tropical weather periods.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
