488 
WTPZ45 KNHC 101458
TCDEP5
 
Hurricane Simon Discussion Number  13
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       EP202026
900 AM CST Sat Oct 10 2026
 
Simon has gone through some inner-core structural changes over the 
last 6 to 12 hours. After exhibiting a pinhole eye for much of 
yesterday on geostationary satellite, the more recent imagery this 
morning shows a somewhat larger eye that cleared out briefly at 
around 10 UTC. This structure suggests that Simon may have undergone 
an eyewall replacement cycle (ERC) overnight. A couple of microwave 
images that became available after the last advisory also show this 
somewhat larger eye. Since that time, the eye has become more 
clouded over again. The initial intensity is being held at 130 kt 
this advisory, given little change in the satellite intensity 
estimates since the intermediate advisory. An Air Force Reserve 
reconnaissance mission is scheduled for Simon this afternoon and 
will hopefully provide more in-situ data on the hurricane's 
structure and intensity later today. 
 
The hurricane took a bit of a northwestward jog and slowed to a 
crawl since the previous advisory, but the longer-term estimated 
motion is just west of due north at 350/3 kt. The hurricane is being 
primarily steered by a weak mid-level ridge centered to its east, 
which is providing deep-layer southerly flow. Another deep-layer 
trough lies well to the northwest of Simon (which is picking up 
Rachel) but appears too far away to impart much steering, with a 
narrow mid-level ridge parked just south of the Baja California 
Peninsula providing light northerly flow. The net effect is that 
Simon should continue to move northward, but at a rather slow 
forward speed. In fact, the track guidance this cycle has slowed 
down a little more compared to the previous cycle, and the NHC track 
is a little slower and a bit further west in the short-term due to 
the initial position adjustment. This current track forecast still 
takes the hurricane inland over the Mexican state of Jalisco in 
24-36 h. However, it is worth stressing there is still a notable 
amount of track uncertainty, with the ECMWF, HAFS-A, and Google 
DeepMind Ensemble mean (GDMI) keeping Simon just offshore of the 
Mexican coast for the next 48 h, while the GFS, HAFS-B, HWRF, and 
HMON models show Simon moving inland in the next 24-36 h. The latest 
Google Weather Next model (WN3I) attempts to split the difference 
between these solutions and brushes right up along the Mexico 
coastline. The NHC track still remains a bit of the east side of the 
guidance envelope overall, as there is a pretty well-known bias that 
tropical cyclones in this area tend to track east of the forecast 
track due to interaction with the high topography of coastal Mexico. 

The future intensity forecast of Simon is also largely influenced by 
this track uncertainty. Environmental conditions remain very 
favorable, and Simon's intensity will likely be controlled by 
inner-core related fluctuations today. However, as Simon approaches 
the coast of Mexico, the higher terrain will likely start to impinge 
on its outer circulation, where downslope subsidence may start to 
occur. This terrain effect will likely cause its wind field core to 
shrink in size and ultimately result in some weakening, even before 
the hurricane moves near or onshore of the Mexican coastline. Thus, 
weakening is now shown in 24 h, with more substantial weakening 
occurring after Simon's core is forecast to move onshore. It is 
worth stressing that this intensity forecast contains a lot of 
uncertainty, and if Simon remains offshore, it could remain stronger 
than shown in this forecast. This scenario is highlighted by the   
06 UTC HAFS-A forecast which keeps Simon a significant hurricane 
since it remains just offshore. Ultimately, the intensity forecast 
remains quite similar to the prior one after land interaction 
begins, with Simon expected to dissipate over the higher terrain of 
Mexico after 60 h.
 
Key Messages:
 
1. Catastrophic wind and life-threatening storm surge impacts are 
likely along a portion of the west-central coast of Mexico, and a 
Hurricane Warning is in effect from Punta San Telmo to El Roblito. 
Preparations to protect life and property should be completed today.
 
2. Heavy rainfall associated with Simon will impact portions of
southwestern Mexico through this weekend. This rainfall will produce
life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of
steep terrain.
 
3. Swells will affect portions of the southwestern and west-central
coast of Mexico through the weekend. These swells are likely to
cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please
consult products from your local weather office.
 
 
FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS
 
INIT  10/1500Z 17.4N 104.8W  130 KT 150 MPH
 12H  11/0000Z 18.1N 105.0W  135 KT 155 MPH
 24H  11/1200Z 19.1N 105.2W  125 KT 145 MPH
 36H  12/0000Z 20.4N 105.4W   80 KT  90 MPH...INLAND
 48H  12/1200Z 21.7N 105.4W   55 KT  65 MPH...INLAND
 60H  13/0000Z 23.0N 105.5W   30 KT  35 MPH...POST-TROP/INLAND
 72H  13/1200Z...DISSIPATED
 
$$
Forecaster Papin