Tropical Storm Polo Forms Off Mexico With Rapid Strengthening Forecast

Tropical Storm Polo formed off southwestern Mexico late Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, with maximum sustained winds of about 40 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1,004 mb. The National Hurricane Center’s 9 p.m. CST advisory placed it roughly 270 miles south of Manzanillo and about 270 miles southwest of Zihuatanejo, moving east-northeast at 5 mph. The center forecast rapid strengthening, potentially to major-hurricane intensity by midweek, after a turn east on Tuesday and a sharp turn north and northwest on Wednesday. Heavy rain of 4 to 8 inches, with localized amounts near 12 inches, was forecast for Michoacán, Colima and Jalisco through Thursday; gusts could reach 80 mph and locally 100 mph. No coastal watches or warnings had been issued. Tropical Storms Fay and Odalys formed the same day in the Atlantic and Pacific. CONTESTED: No factual disputes in the record; rated outlets differ only in emphasis. Track and intensity forecasts remain the next watch points.