Tropical storm Barbara has formed off the south-west coast of Mexico, the US National Hurricane Center said early on Sunday, and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane on Monday.
No coastal watches or warnings were issued. Maximum sustained winds were near 45mph (75km/h) with higher gusts.
Heavy rainfall totals of 2 to 4in (5 to 10cm), with amounts of up to 6in (15cm) in limited areas, are possible across portions of the Mexican states of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco through Monday. The rainfall may lead to flooding and mudslides.
Swells affecting portions of the south-western Mexico coast for the next few days can produce life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, the hurricane center said.
The Guardian recently revealed that more than a dozen National Weather Service (NWS) forecast offices along the hurricane-prone Gulf of Mexico coast are understaffed due to government cuts.
The US and other nations in the region are expecting active season for potentially ruinous storms in 2025.
