Hurricane Hilary forms off Mexico’s Pacific coast, could impact Utah weather

Day 1-5 excessive rainfall outlook for hurricane Hilary. August 17, 2023. Photo: National Hurricane Center

SALT LAKE CITY — A hurricane forming off of Mexico’s Pacific coast could have major impacts on Utah weather, although experts are still uncertain what those impacts will be.

Tropical Storm Hilary strengthened into a hurricane early Thursday off Mexico’s Pacific coast and it could become become a major hurricane as it keeps heading north over the ocean.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said that Hilary had maximum winds of 75 mph (120 kph), and it was located 320 miles (515 kilometers) from the Mexican port city of Manzanillo, far from land.

The hurricane was moving at 13 mph (20 mph) west-northwest, and it was expected to become a major hurricane by Thursday night or early Friday as it moves toward the Baja peninsula, near the U.S. border.

“The bottom line is there is still a lot of uncertainty as to how this system will impact Utah and southwest Wyoming,” said a statement from the National Weather Service Salt Lake City. “There are two scenarios emerging, one with a westward track and one with an eastward track to the bulk of the moisture. A more westward track would favor less precipitation across the area, while a more eastward track would increase heavy rainfall probabilities across the area.”

The time between Saturday night and Monday is the most uncertain. For the latest information, visit https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.