Tropical Storm Eugene, located about 800 miles south of San Diego, might trigger thunderstorms in San Diego County later this week. As San Diego Union-Tribune reported, the storm's winds reached up to 70 mph on Sunday, just shy of the 74-95 mph range that would've categorized it as a Category 1 hurricane. Although the storm is expected to weaken, it could still cause thunderstorms in the region on Wednesday and Thursday.
Mexico's Pacific coast has also experienced some rain from Eugene, but their tourist hotspots, like Cabo San Lucas in Baja California Sur and San Blas and San Pancho in Nayarit, have not been severely affected, according to Reuters. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) had initially warned Mexico's government about possible heavy rains along the coastlines which would've caused concern for these tourist locations.
However, the storm has since moved farther out to sea, minimizing its impact on Mexican tourism. According to the Associated Press, the storm is still predicted to cause some dangerous surf in specific areas. Even so, swells from Tropical Storm Eugene could reach as far as northern Orange County in California, which poses a potential threat to inexperienced swimmers and surfers with heightened longshore currents. Waves in San Diego County are less likely to be significantly impacted, as mentioned in the San Diego Union-Tribune report.
While Eugene may soon weaken into a tropical depression, the storm has impacted weather conditions across various regions. San Diego Union-Tribune reports an excessive heat warning was issued for San Diego County deserts, with temperatures anticipated to reach as high as 111 degrees. High temperatures reaching between 88 and the low 90s are expected in the valleys and foothills. Separately, winds gusting out of the west at 40 to 60 mph are predicted, making driving conditions challenging for motorists on Interstate 8 near the border of Orange and Imperial counties on Monday afternoon and evening.
Eugene is the fifth named storm of the eastern Pacific hurricane season and is expected to continue on its current trajectory through Tuesday, with winds extending up to 130 km (81 miles) from the center of the storm, according to the Reuters report. While Eugene's strength may be diminishing, it serves as a reminder of the potential risks of tropical storms and the importance of closely monitoring weather patterns.
For now, Southern California residents, including those in San Diego County, are urged to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and plan accordingly, especially for those traveling, participating in outdoor activities, or living in areas prone to thunderstorms and extreme heat, like the San Diego County deserts.
