Ileana impacts Mexico’s coast while moisture moves into southwest Texas

The National Hurricane Center tracked Tropical Storm Ileana around Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Ileana was the first cyclone to make direct coastal impact in the 2024 season.

After bringing hours of heavy rain and gale-force winds to the popular resort of Cabo San Lucas on Friday afternoon, the tropical storm continued to move northward through the Gulf of California.

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Before the storm hit, weather forecast models showed 10 to 20 centimeters of rain possible across Baja, with similar amounts expected in the Mexican state of Sinaloa.

Tropical rains in the region are known to cause mudslides and landslides.

In addition, due to the stronger waves, there was a high risk of backwash, which was a cause for concern for swimmers.

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First tropical cyclone since Hurricane Otis hits the coast of Mexico

The tropical cyclone was the first system to directly hit the Mexican coast since the historic 2023 Hurricane Otis.

In late October, weather conditions allowed the hurricane to rapidly intensify to a Category 5 hurricane before making landfall near Acapulco.

Many coastal residents were caught off guard by the cyclone’s rapid strengthening, killing dozens of people and causing an estimated $15 billion in damage.

Hurricane Otis hits historic Category 5 landfall in Mexico near Acapulco

A graphic showing why Hurricane Otis’ landfall near Acapulco, Mexico was historic.

(FOX Weather)

The areas affected by Otis were not directly affected by Ileana because the tropical storm was located hundreds of kilometers northwest of the region.

Limited moist winds over Texas and the desert southwest

Moisture from the remnants of the storm accumulated in the southwestern United States, increasing the chance of rain and causing temperatures to drop.

Moisture inflow has been limited, but the increased probability of rainfall is welcome news for a region that has experienced a rather weak monsoon season.

SOUTHWEST MONSOON SEASON IS HERE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

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Phoenix, which set the record for most consecutive days with temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the hottest summer on record, is one of many places that would welcome a higher chance of precipitation.

Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s, which is both a significant departure from recent months and well below average for mid-September.