HURRICANES AND TROPICAL STORMS OF THE WEST COAST OF MEXICO

S. E. R. G. I. O. SERRA C. Institute of Geophysics, National Autonomous University of Mexico, D. F. Mexico

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Abstract

Records of the Mexican Weather Service for the period 1921 to 1969 show that the West Coast of Mexico is affected more by hurricanes and tropical storms than is the East Coast. Using an arbitrary but probably reasonable criterion of 200 n.mi. as the effective radius of such storms, although there are some smaller storms, we found that the probability of at least one storm per year affecting the West Coast of Mexico is 90 percent or greater in five of the 10 States studied and 74 percent or greater in nine of the 10 States.

The trajectories observed during the months of maximum activity—August, September, and October—are mapped, and a gross climatological storm trajectory is presented. Recommendations for further studies are included.

Also, consultant to the Mexico Navy Ministry.

Abstract

Records of the Mexican Weather Service for the period 1921 to 1969 show that the West Coast of Mexico is affected more by hurricanes and tropical storms than is the East Coast. Using an arbitrary but probably reasonable criterion of 200 n.mi. as the effective radius of such storms, although there are some smaller storms, we found that the probability of at least one storm per year affecting the West Coast of Mexico is 90 percent or greater in five of the 10 States studied and 74 percent or greater in nine of the 10 States.

The trajectories observed during the months of maximum activity—August, September, and October—are mapped, and a gross climatological storm trajectory is presented. Recommendations for further studies are included.

Also, consultant to the Mexico Navy Ministry.

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