Newly formed Tropical Storm Rachel is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane off the coast of Mexico this week... A developing tropical cyclone will track across the Eastern Pacific over the next several days, moving west-northwestward well south of the Mexican coastline as the 17th named storm of the season. Current guidance shows sustained winds steadily increasing as the system advances, with Rachel expected to reach hurricane strength by Tuesday and potentially reach Category 2 status What could limit Rachel's strengthening is the possibility it tracks over cooler waters caused by Hurricane Polo's very slow u-turn a few days ago. This should remain a predominantly offshore storm for the next several days as it safely steers clear of southwestern Mexico.