Aletta (2012)

Aletta formed from a broad low in the Intertropical Convergence Zone south of Mexico. The low developed on 11 May and became a tropical depression at 1200 UTC 14 May about 570 nautical miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico. The system moved generally west-northwestward and then west, later turning north-northeast as large-scale steering currents changed. Aletta weakened to a remnant low by 0600 UTC 19 May and dissipated by 0600 UTC 20 May. Its life as a tropical cyclone lasted about five days (14–19 May 2012).

The storm did not make any landfalls. Aletta remained well offshore throughout its life and never prompted coastal watches or warnings.

Maximum sustained winds reached 45 kt (about 52 mph) with a minimum central pressure of 1000 mb at peak intensity on 15–16 May; this corresponds to a moderate tropical storm (below hurricane strength). The best-estimate peak wind speed of 45 kt is supported by satellite analyses and scatterometer data.

There were no reports of storm surge or rainfall impacts at land locations associated with Aletta, and no ship reports of tropical-storm-force winds. Because the storm stayed over open water, specific surge heights and rainfall totals onshore were not recorded.

No deaths or damage were reported. The greatest impacts were simply that Aletta remained an Atlantic-basin offshore tropical storm with no direct effects on populated areas.

Noteworthy points: Aletta was only the third tropical cyclone in the eastern North Pacific in the satellite era to form before the official season start date of 15 May (the others were Hurricane Alma in 1990 and an unnamed storm in 1996). NHC intensity forecasts were generally accurate for Aletta, while the official track forecasts and most guidance underestimated the later northward and northeastward turn, producing larger-than-average track errors at 72–96 hours.