(AP) -- Bud has become a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 75 mph. The storm is moving to the northwest and is located about 255 miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico.
Bud is expected continue to move to the northwest over the next several days paralleling the the coast of Mexico and also continue to strengthen over the next 24-26 hours.
Tropical storm watches have been posted for the southwestern coast of Mexico from Manzanillo to Cabo Corrientes. Despite the track remaining offshore, there will be rough surf and rip currents along the coast of Mexico.
Locally heavy rainfall is possible along the southwest coast that could trigger mudslides in the higher terrain as well.
Bud is expected to weaken as it encounters cooler waters toward the middle of next week. However, it may still impact southern Baja California later in the week with increased rain and wind.
Eventually this may enhance moisture over the southwestern United States, bringing drought-easing rain to these areas late in the week and next weekend, but also the threat for flash flooding.
