Eugene is Expected to Bring Much-needed Rain to California as It Weakens in the Eastern Pacific

Tropical Storm Eugene, which originated off the coast of Baja California in the Eastern Pacific, has weakened and transitioned into a post-tropical storm. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that the storm’s convection has disintegrated enough for it to be downgraded on Monday.

Location and Movement

Currently, Eugene is positioned about 700 miles west-northwest of the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. The storm is moving towards the west-northwest at a speed of 14 mph. It has maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. As Eugene moves into cooler waters, it’s expected to lose strength.

Projected Path

The forecast predicts that Eugene will continue to weaken and move northwestward, ultimately dissipating by Wednesday evening. Some models indicate the remaining system could head towards the northern California Baja Peninsula or even Southern California.

Potential Impact

While there are no coastal warnings or watches in place for Eugene, the storm’s influence could bring rain, wind, and rough seas along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Dangerous rip currents are also expected in the region. On the positive side, the added moisture from Eugene could provide much-needed rain for the Southwest, aiding the ongoing monsoon season.

Beneficial Rain

Meteorologists suggest that the residual moisture from the dying tropical system could contribute to rainfall across the desert Southwest. This could alleviate the persistent heat and drought conditions across the region. The rain is anticipated to reach Southern California and Arizona in the coming days.

Limited Impact Expected

Although there might be some impact from the system’s moisture plume, the National Weather Service (NWS) doesn’t foresee significant consequences from the cyclone. Areas such as Nevada, Southern California, and Arizona, suffering from drought, are hopeful for precipitation.

Long Dry Spell

Cities like Phoenix, Arizona, are grappling with an extended period without rainfall. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has gone 134 days without precipitation. The NWS predicts this dry spell could potentially become the second-longest on record at 143 days.

Future Prospects

NWS meteorologists remain optimistic that an active El Niño pattern in the fall could lead to more opportunities for tropical moisture in the Southwest. However, for now, Eugene’s impact on the region appears to be limited, with the potential for increased swells along the coast of Southern California.

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