Tropical Storm Kiko Forms in Eastern Pacific, Expected to Become a Hurricane by Tuesday

MIAMI, Aug. 31, 2025 (AP) - Tropical Storm Kiko developed early Sunday in the eastern Pacific Ocean, more than 1,000 miles west-southwest of Baja California, and is projected to strengthen into a hurricane later this week.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that as of the 11:00 a.m. PDT advisory, Kiko’s center was located about 1,045 miles (1,680 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Maximum sustained winds were recorded at 40 mph (65 km/h), and the storm was moving westward at 9 mph (15 km/h). No coastal watches or warnings have been issued, as the system poses no immediate threat to land.

Kiko, the eleventh named storm of the Eastern Pacific season, formed early Sunday and is expected to intensify over the next few days. “Strengthening is predicted in the coming days, and the system is expected to reach hurricane status by Tuesday,” the NHC said in its advisory.

Environmental conditions-including warm sea surface temperatures of around 27 °C, moist mid-level air, and low vertical wind shear-are favorable for further strengthening. Forecasters caution, however, that dry air entrainment and potential deviations in the storm’s track could inhibit rapid intensification.

Although Kiko’s core remains well offshore, the system is likely to funnel deep tropical moisture toward Baja California Sur, potentially bringing periods of shower activity to coastal regions through early September. Mariners and residents in the region are advised to remain aware of changing marine conditions, even in the absence of direct landfall threats.