Hurricane Raymond (2013)

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale

Map key

Saffir–Simpson scale

  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown

Storm type

Tropical cyclone

Subtropical cyclone

Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

The area of disturbed weather that led to the formation of Hurricane Raymond was initially discernible as a broad area of low pressure in association with disorganized convection—shower and thunderstorm activity—near Central America on October 17, 2013.[1] Tracking west to west-northwestward, environmental conditions were expected to be conducive for the development of a tropical cyclone and the system was quickly given a medium chance of development within a five-day interval by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) accordingly.[2] Over the subsequent 48 hours, convective activity steadily increased and organized while the low-pressure center became better defined, prompting the NHC to raise formation chances to the high category.[3] The system turned towards the northwest during the morning of October 19 while continuing to develop; following a combination of satellite intensity estimates and satellite images, the disturbance was upgraded to Tropical Depression Seventeen-E at 0000 UTC.[4] Despite warming cloudtops, the overall cloud pattern of the depression improved by early the following morning and it was subsequently upgraded to a tropical storm, receiving the name Raymond, at 0600 UTC.[4] At this time, the cyclone was positioned roughly 185 mi (300 km) south-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico.[5]

Following designation, Raymond continued to become better organized. Deep convection continued to increase over the circulation center while microwave imagery depicted the formative stages of an inner core.[6] Shortly thereafter, the system began a period of rapid intensification that was described by NHC forecasters as "astounding" and "impressive".[7] At 0000 UTC on October 21, Raymond was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane;[4] six hours later, it was upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane as a small yet well-defined eye became obvious on both visible and infrared satellite imagery.[7][8] In conjunction with satellite intensity estimates, the hurricane was upgraded to a major hurricane—a Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale—making Raymond the first of the 2013 Pacific hurricane season and the first in the West Hemisphere during 2013.[4][9][10] Slowing to a halt, the system temporarily ceased its intensification trend as it underwent an eyewall replacement cycle. By the afternoon hours of October 21, however, the system increased in organization, noted by a more symmetric and warm eye. At 1800 UTC, Raymond attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of 951 mb (hPa; 28.08 inHg).[4] Thereafter, an increase in vertical wind shear from the south-southwest caused the system to begin a weakening trend. At 0600 UTC on October 22, Raymond was lowered to a Category 2 hurricane.[4] That afternoon, data from an Air Force hurricane hunter aircraft indicated that the system was weaker than forecast, a low-end Category 1 hurricane.[4][11] Turning west-southwest around the southern periphery of a ridge near Baja California Peninsula, Raymond weakened to a tropical storm at 0600 UTC.[4]

Hurricane Raymond near its secondary peak strength on October 27

Continued wind shear on October 23 caused the low-level center to become exposed to view while large arc clouds, indicative of dry air, filled the western semicircle of the disheveled tropical cyclone.[12] The following day, bursts of deep shower and thunderstorm activity occurred over the center; however, no change in intensity was noted.[13] Upper-level outflow began to expand in all directions as the shear direction flipped to a southeasterly direction.[14] Despite forecasts of intensification, Raymond failed to change much in intensity over the following 48 hours, perhaps a result of abnormally warm mid-level temperatures.[15] By late on October 26, however, convective banding began to increase while deep convection developed over the low-level center.[16] The cloud scene transitioned to a central dense overcast by 1200 UTC on October 27 while an eye became visible on microwave imagery; in conjunction with satellite intensity estimates, Raymond was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane once again, while positioned 725 mi (1,165 km) south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California Peninsula.[4] Early on October 28, Raymond reached a secondary peak intensity with winds of 105 mph (165 km/h) and a pressure of 971 mb (hPa; 28.67 inHg), having developed a cloud-obscured eye and a central dense overcast.[4][17] Early on October 29, increasing wind shear disrupted the convection and weakened the hurricane back to tropical storm status.[4] Although the thunderstorms briefly increased on that day,[18] continued shear imparted further weakening.[19] Raymond weakened to tropical depression status on October 30 after the circulation had become elongated and removed from the convection.[4][20] Later that day, the depression degenerated into a remnant low-pressure area.[4][21] During the next two days, Raymond's remnant low slowly curved towards the west, before dissipating early on November 1.[4]

Due to the threat of Raymond, an "orange" alert was issues for portions of Guerrero and Michoacan and a "yellow" alert was issued for much of Colima and Jalisco.[22] The port of Costa Grande was closed for all small craft and sporting activities.[23] The port of Manzanillo was ordered to be closed on October 21.[24] An emergency declaration was issued for 9 municipalities in Guerrero by its Governor Angel Aguirre Rivero, while residents in 81 municipalities in proximity to the hurricane were asked to evacuate flood-prone areas.[25][26] Around 25 shelters were opened;[27] officials evacuated over 400 people those shelters,[28] including 100 near Acapulco.[29] Around 3,000 military members were transported prior to the arrival of the system.[30] Schools and classes in most coastal communities west of Acapulco, including Zihuatanejo.[31] In Guerrero alone, classes were suspended in 10 municipalities[32] and throughout Michocan, classes were suspended as well.[33]

A peak rainfall total of 7.63 inches (194 mm) was recorded near Acapulco within a two-day period.[34] On October 21, the outer rainbands of Hurricane Raymond brought heavy rains to the Mexican coast, resulting in minor flooding.[35] A total of 21 homes were flooded, resulting in the evacuation of five persons. Three trees fell down and two walls collapsed.[36] Moreover, 585 people were rendered as homeless.[27] Some streets in Acapulco were closed.[37] Due to Raymond, a state of emergency was declared for 10 municipalities in Guerrero.[27]

• List of Pacific hurricanes
• Other storms of the same name
• Timeline of the 2013 Pacific hurricane season
• Hurricane Blas (2022)

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hurricane Raymond (2013).

• The National Hurricane Center's advisory archive for Hurricane Raymond