Dalila (2019)

A tropical disturbance that moved westward from the Atlantic developed a broad circulation in the eastern North Pacific and became a tropical depression at 0600 UTC on 22 July 2019 about 600 nautical miles southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. The system moved generally northwestward and briefly strengthened into Tropical Storm Dalila at 0600 UTC on 23 July. Dalila weakened as it moved over progressively cooler water and degenerated into a remnant low by 1200 UTC on 25 July, then dissipated by 1800 UTC on 26 July. Its track stayed well offshore of Mexico and Baja California.

Dalila did not make landfall. Its center remained over open ocean for the storm’s entire life, and no coastal watches or warnings were issued.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds peaked at 40 knots (about 46 mph) at 1200 UTC on 23 July, with a minimum central pressure of 1004 mb. At peak intensity Dalila was a moderate tropical storm (not a hurricane).

There were no reported storm surge observations tied to Dalila, and the report contains no inland rainfall totals for named cities or counties. Convection and heavier thunderstorms were confined mainly well south of the center where sea-surface temperatures were warmer, while the cyclone’s core remained relatively dry.

No deaths or damage were reported in association with Dalila. The system was short-lived and stayed over remote ocean waters, resulting in little to no impact on populated areas.

Forecasts recognized the developing disturbance well in advance; the system was placed in the high-probability category 54 hours before formation and in the 48‑hour high-probability outlook about 30 hours before genesis. Official track and intensity forecasts for Dalila had smaller errors than the five-year means for comparable forecast periods.