Western Pacific

Tropical Storm Rachel has formed in the eastern Pacific, trailing Hurricane Polo as both systems move toward Mexico's coast. Forecasters are watching whether the storms could bring heavy rain, coastal flooding and strong winds to western Mexico in the coming days, with residents and authorities along the shoreline urged to monitor advisories.

Forecasters are tracking a series of East Pacific hurricanes expected to steer away from California while bringing heavy rain to the interior Southwest. Once the tropical moisture passes, meteorologists say a major, long-duration autumn heatwave is likely to build over the region, raising concerns about heat impacts and lingering fire risk in the western United States.