Dolores downgraded to tropical storm

Tropical Storm Claudette formed Monday afternoon off the Virginia coast, making it the third named storm of the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season. Dolores is expected to bring rainfall totalling 1 to 3cm along the southwestern coast of Mexico, with isolated amounts of up to 5cm.

This is why almost every tropical cyclone that tries to curve into the West Coast of the United States undergoes rapid collapse because the ever-present cold California Current deprives them of their main source of fuel essential for their survival. This comes on the heels of a bout of risky surf last weekend that left one swimmer dead and several more having to be helped to safety.

Also expected from Dolores is the possibility of thunderstorms. Forecasters said there would be a 20 percent chance of measurable precipitation in coastal areas overnight and a 30 percent chance Saturday and Sunday.

Although the rain from thunderstorms would be a welcome sight to residents and fire crews, thunderstorms also come with the possibility of lightening strikes which could be particularly risky in the drought-stricken Southland.

Southern Californians can expect some changes in the weather over the weekend thanks to Tropical Storm Dolores, forecasters said Friday. The hurricane center said the swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.