Category 5 Hurricane Polo now the second-strongest in the eastern Pacific
Hurricane Polo, at Category 5 strength, is now the second-strongest hurricane ever recorded in the eastern Pacific after recording a pressure reading of 889 mb
Hurricane Polo reached Category 5 intensity early Tuesday. The storm is currently positioned 335 kilometres south of the tourist town of Zihuatanejo, and 575 km south-southeast of Manzanillo.
A Tuesday afternoon report from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicates that the maximum winds in Hurricane Polo have increased to near 285 km/h with higher gusts.
As well, the aircraft just measured a 889 mb pressure inside Polo, making the storm the second-strongest hurricane ever recorded in the eastern Pacific, behind only Hurricane Patricia in 2015.
It is also the second-fastest on record for rapid intensification, rising by 177 km/h in 24 hours. It is only second to Patricia, which saw a 185-km/h increase in 24 hours.
On the forecast track, the core of Polo is expected to be near the coast of southwestern Mexico through the middle of this week, although is forecast to remain offshore.
The NHC predicts 76 mm to 152 mm of rain for coastal areas of Guerrero and Michoacán, with isolated totals reaching 203 mm through Thursday. This level of precipitation may trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
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Authorities in Mexico have issued warnings about potential river overflows in affected regions. The national civil protection agency urges residents to avoid flooded streets and secure outdoor objects that could become hazards in strong winds.
Stay informed as the situation evolves, and follow local advisories if located in areas forecast to be impacted by Hurricane Polo.
No hurricanes reported in the Atlantic by Sept. 21, a first since 1914
Meanwhile, with just more than two months remaining in the Atlantic hurricane season, which ends on Nov. 30, no hurricanes have been recorded so far. This unprecedented delay has already set a record for the latest start to the season, should a hurricane eventually form.
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Multiple factors may be contributing to the lack of hurricane development. One key influence is the ongoing “super” El Niño. El Niño patterns are known to increase wind shear across the Atlantic basin, hindering hurricane formation by disrupting the structure of developing storms.
Since 1851, only two years—1907 and 1914—have passed without any hurricanes forming in the Atlantic basin.
With the climatological peak of hurricane season now behind us, the continued lack of activity raises the possibility that 2026 could become the first hurricane-free Atlantic season in the satellite era if no hurricanes develop in the coming weeks.