Ramon Marks Eastern Pacific’s Latest Tropical Storm Since 1983
Tropical Storm Ramon (EP202023) formed in the eastern Pacific basin at 1200 UTC on 21 November 2023 near 10.1°N, 119.8°W with maximum sustained winds of 30 knots and a central pressure of 1007 mb.
The system strengthened into a tropical storm at 1200 UTC on 24 November 2023 while located near 13.1°N, 122.6°W west of Central America.
Ramon reached peak intensity at 1800 UTC on 25 November 2023 near 15.0°N, 122.9°W with maximum sustained winds of 40 knots and a minimum central pressure of 1002 mb.
The cyclone weakened into a post-tropical remnant low on 26 November 2023 over the eastern Pacific after losing tropical storm characteristics.
A November Origin: How Ramon Took Shape West of Central America
Tropical Storm Ramon developed from a disturbance within the monsoon trough west of Central America during November 2023. The National Hurricane Center’s Tropical Cyclone Report identified Ramon as the latest-forming tropical storm in the eastern Pacific basin since Hurricane Winnie became a tropical storm in 1983.
The precursor disturbance was first traced to a low-level circulation that developed within the monsoon trough on 11 November. Atmospheric conditions were influenced by a Gulf of Tehuantepec gap wind event on 14–15 November, which contributed additional vorticity to the developing system. A surface trough that moved through the Caribbean Sea from 7–10 November was also part of the broader tropical environment associated with the disturbance.
The development of Ramon involved multiple tropical features across the Caribbean Sea, Central America, and the eastern Pacific. A low-latitude easterly wave that moved westward from the African coast on 28 October and a mid- to upper-level trough over the central Atlantic in early November were included in the analysis of the system’s background development.
Ramon was classified as a tropical depression at 1200 UTC on 21 November, corresponding to 4:00 AM Pacific Standard Time (PST). At formation, the cyclone was positioned over open Pacific waters west of Central America, with winds of 30 knots and a pressure estimate of 1007 mb.
The system moved generally westward and northwestward during its early tropical cyclone stage. From 21 to 23 November, Ramon remained a tropical depression with winds near 30 knots while its circulation slowly organized over the eastern Pacific. No tropical storm watches or warnings were issued because the cyclone remained offshore and did not threaten coastal communities in Mexico, Central America, or the United States.
The storm’s track stayed over ocean areas west of Mexico, limiting effects on coastal infrastructure, ports, and populated regions along the Pacific coast of the Americas. Official records reported no fatalities, damage, or land-based observations of tropical storm-force winds associated with Ramon.
Ramon’s classification remained below hurricane strength throughout its existence. Under the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, the system never reached Category 1 hurricane intensity because its maximum sustained winds remained at 40 knots, below the 64-knot threshold required for hurricane classification.
40-Knot Peak: Ramon’s Short-Lived Strength Southwest of Baja
Ramon became a tropical storm at 1200 UTC on 24 November 2023, when its maximum sustained winds increased to 35 knots. The storm was located over the eastern Pacific southwest of Mexico, with no direct effects reported along the Baja California Peninsula or the Mexican mainland.
The cyclone continued strengthening during 25 November as satellite observations showed improved organization near its center. At 1800 UTC on 25 November, corresponding to 10:00 AM PST, Ramon reached its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 40 knots and a minimum central pressure of 1002 mb.
The peak intensity position was near 15.0°N, 122.9°W, placing the storm over open waters southwest of Baja California. Intensity estimates from satellite-based analysis methods, including scatterometer observations and consensus techniques, supported the official assessment of Ramon’s maximum strength.
Ramon maintained tropical storm status through 0000 UTC on 26 November, corresponding to 4:00 PM PST on 25 November. The cyclone’s strongest winds remained concentrated around the circulation center over the ocean, and no coastal flooding, rainfall emergencies, or wind damage reports were associated with the storm across Mexico, the Caribbean, or the United States Gulf Coast region.
After reaching peak strength, Ramon encountered increasing environmental stress. Strong wind shear disrupted the storm’s convective structure, causing thunderstorms to become separated from the low-level circulation center. The cyclone weakened as its organization declined over the eastern Pacific.
The system dropped below tropical storm intensity by 1200 UTC on 26 November, when it was classified as a tropical depression. At that time, Ramon was located near 14.4°N, 123.7°W with winds of 30 knots and a central pressure of 1006 mb.
Shear Overcomes Ramon: Storm Becomes Remnant Low on Nov 26
Ramon transitioned from a tropical cyclone into a post-tropical remnant low on 26 November 2023. The remaining circulation continued moving over the eastern Pacific, with wind speeds decreasing as convection weakened and the system lost its tropical characteristics.
The final best-track position of Ramon as a tropical depression occurred at 0000 UTC on 27 November near 14.1°N, 124.4°W. The system had weakened to winds of 25 knots with a central pressure of 1008 mb before the circulation continued as a remnant low.
Unlike stronger tropical systems that affect coastal areas of North America and the Caribbean, Ramon produced no documented impacts on communities, transportation networks, or maritime facilities. The cyclone remained offshore throughout its lifetime, and official records reported no casualties or property damage.
The storm’s six-day lifecycle from 21 to 26 November demonstrated a rare late-season formation pattern in the eastern Pacific basin. Ramon’s development, peak intensity, and transition to a remnant low were documented through satellite observations, scatterometer data, and operational forecasting records maintained for Tropical Storm Ramon (EP202023).