A broad area of low pressure formed on June 17, and the system became better organized when conditions became more favorable for development.[1] Continuing to organize, the low was upgraded to Tropical Depression Four-E on June 19 while situated roughly 355 mi (575 km) south-southeast of Acapulco, Mexico.[2][3] Later that morning, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm and was named Celia. Upon being named, Celia was predicted to strengthen into a hurricane within 48 hours.[4][5] Quickly intensifying, Celia strengthened into a strong tropical storm later on July 19. However, strong wind shear prevented further intensification.[6] Shear soon decreased and on June 20 Celia was upgraded to a category 1 hurricane, the first of the season.[7] However, wind shear increased again, and as a result Celia maintained its intensity. [8] Intensification resumed by the evening of June 21, and Celia was upgraded to Category 2 hurricane. [9]
After reaching its initial peak intensity as a moderate Category 2 hurricane, Celia weakened slightly on June 22 and was downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane. The next day, Celia restrengthened and was re-upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane. Later that day, Celia intensified further, reaching a secondary peak intensity as a Category 3, becoming the first major hurricane of the season. Later on June 23, the hurricane weakened back to a Category 2 hurricane.[10] However, cloud tops cooled the next day, thus indicating that the system was re-intensifying[11] and shortly thereafter, Celia regained major hurricane intensity.[10] The storm continued to strengthen during the day, eventually becoming a Category 4 hurricane. [12]
A broad area of low pressure formed on June 17, and the system became better organized when conditions became more favorable for development.[13] Continuing to organize, the low was upgraded to Tropical Depression Four-E on June 19 while situated roughly 355 mi (575 km) south-southeast of Acapulco, Mexico.[14][15] Later that morning, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm and was named Celia. Upon being named, Celia was predicted to strengthen into a hurricane within 48 hours.[16][17] Quickly intensifying, Celia strengthened into a strong tropical storm later on July 19. However, strong wind shear prevented further intensification.[18] Shear soon decreased and on June 20 Celia was upgraded to a category 1 hurricane, the first of the season.[19] However, wind shear increased again, and as a result Celia maintained its intensity. [20] Intensification resumed by the evening of June 21, and Celia was upgraded to Category 2 hurricane. [21]
After reaching its initial peak intensity as a moderate Category 2 hurricane, Celia weakened slightly on June 22 and was downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane. The next day, Celia restrengthened and was re-upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane. Later that day, Celia intensified further, reaching a secondary peak intensity as a Category 3, becoming the first major hurricane of the season. Later on June 23, the hurricane weakened back to a Category 2 hurricane.[10] However, cloud tops cooled the next day, thus indicating that the system was re-intensifying[22] and shortly thereafter, Celia regained major hurricane intensity.[10] The storm continued to strengthen during the day, eventually becoming a Category 4 hurricane. [23]
