Cancun, Q. Roo — The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami has updated its projection for Tropical Storm Melissa, indicating a significant change in its trajectory and potential for intensification. According to the latest public advisory issued this morning, Melissa is expected to become a Category 3 or higher hurricane by next Monday, heading west and primarily affecting the region of Belize and northern Honduras.
The storm is currently located south of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, moving slowly at a speed of just 4 km/h. Throughout today, it will move towards the west-northeast, but between Thursday and Friday, it will turn towards the north. However, a radical turn is forecast during Friday night and early Saturday, when its trajectory will change decisively towards the west.
The NHC estimates that Melissa will reach hurricane status on Friday, and its strengthening will be favored by its slow movement over warm waters without making landfall, which could increase its intensity. Although the probability of the phenomenon directly impacting the state of Quintana Roo is low due to the potential arrival of a cold front that would block its advance north, authorities recommend maintaining a maximum state of alert.
Until a few hours ago, projections indicated a movement towards eastern Cuba, underscoring the system's volatility and the need for constant monitoring. The population in the region is urged to stay informed through official sources and be prepared for any eventuality.
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