Updated Info on Tropic Storm Barbara: First Hurricane of the Season Weaking
Tropical storm transforms into first hurricane of the year, approaches Mexican shoreline
In the latest reports, Tropical Storm Barbara, previously a Category 1 hurricane, has been downgraded as it drifts northwestward away from Mexico. Initially, it was the first hurricane of the 2025 Eastern Pacific hurricane season, exhibiting wind speeds up to 120 km/h [1][2][3]. As of now, its maximum sustained winds dropped to 70 mph (110 kph) [1]. The storm is projected to continue weakening and might dissipate by Wednesday [1].
Barbara's outer bands may bring 2 to 4 inches (51 to 101 mm) of rainfall to coastal areas of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco, which could trigger localized flooding and landslides [1][3]. Additionally, swells caused by Barbara are likely to induce hazardous surf and rip currents along the southwestern Mexican coast [1][2].
Impact Assessment for Mexico and Baja California Peninsula
- Rain-Induced Hazards: Heavy rainfall could lead to floods and landslides in western Mexican states.
- Coastal Perils: Life-threatening surf and rip currents are likely along the southwestern Mexican coast.
- Baja California: The current progression of Barbara indicates no direct hit on the Baja California peninsula, as it moves northwestward far from land.
Global Warming's Influence on Tropical Cyclones
Scientists believe that global warming plays a part in the formation and strength of tropical cyclones in the following ways:
- Heat Energy: Warmer sea surface temperatures fuel stronger storms by offering them ample energy. Tropical cyclones need warm ocean water (minimum of 26.5°C or about 80°F) to take shape and sustain their power.
- Moisture Content: A warming climate increases the atmosphere’s capacity to retain moisture, potentially leading to heavier rainfall from cyclones.
- Storm Surge: Rising sea levels due to global warming could exacerbate the risk of coastal flooding and damage from storm surges during hurricanes.
However, the connection between global warming and hurricane frequency remains complex and not yet fully grasped. Some research suggests that stronger cyclones may result from global warming, but their overall frequency might not necessarily augment [1][2][3].
[1] ntv.de
[2] dpa
[3] Hurricane Center updates on Tropic Storm Barbara
- As Tropical Storm Barbara, the first hurricane of the 2025 season, interacts with the warming climate, scientists are studying how global warming might contribute to its intensity, such as providing additional heat energy and increasing the amount of moisture in the atmosphere.
- In the context of climate-change, the weakening of the first hurricane season's first hurricane, Tropic Storm Barbara, might offer insight into the complex relationship between global warming and hurricane frequency, as it challenges current assumptions that stronger cyclones might result from a warming climate but their overall frequency may not necessarily increase.
