Tropical Storm Keli Forms in Central Pacific: What You Need to Know Now

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways:
  • Tropical Storm Keli has formed in the central Pacific, becoming the second active cyclone alongside Hurricane Iona as of late July 2025.
  • Keli is a small storm with wind speeds around 40 mph, moving westward at approximately 15 mph.
  • Forecast models suggest Keli will weaken and dissipate within about 60 hours, with minimal expected impacts to Hawaii.
  • The simultaneous presence of Keli and Iona highlights the active tropical season in 2025 and the importance of ongoing monitoring.
  • Residents and maritime interests should stay updated via official forecasts, especially if involved in marine activities west of Hawaii.

What Is Tropical Storm Keli?

Tropical Storm Keli emerged from Tropical Depression Two-C and has sustained wind speeds of about 40 mph (35 knots). It’s a relatively small tropical cyclone with tropical-storm-force winds extending roughly 30 nautical miles from its center. Keli is moving westward at about 15 mph, steered by a mid-level ridge north of the storm[0].

Current Status and Forecast

  • Keli has maintained steady intensity since its initial advisories.
  • While sea surface temperatures remain warm enough to sustain it, environmental conditions are expected to become less favorable.
  • Forecasters predict Keli will hold steady briefly before gradually weakening and dissipating within approximately 60 hours, though its small size means it might weaken sooner than anticipated[2].

Relation to Hurricane Iona

Just days before Keli’s formation, Hurricane Iona rapidly intensified and became a Category 3 storm off southern Hawaii. Iona is noteworthy as the first July hurricane in the Central Pacific Basin since 2022. Meanwhile, Keli has formed southeast of Hawaii, making it the second cyclone in the area actively monitored for potential impacts[3].

What About Impacts?

Currently, no watches or warnings have been issued for Hawaii or surrounding areas in connection with Keli. Despite the proximity of two active storms, forecasters do not anticipate significant impacts to the Hawaiian Islands from Keli, primarily due to its trajectory and weakening trend[4].

Why This Matters

Having two concurrent cyclones in the central Pacific is relatively rare and calls for vigilant monitoring. Keli’s formation emphasizes the active tropical season in 2025 and reminds residents and maritime interests in the Pacific to stay updated with official forecasts.

What To Watch For Next

  • Follow updates from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center for any changes in Keli’s intensity or path.
  • Monitor conditions especially if you are involved in marine activities west of Hawaii.
  • Stay aware of Hurricane Iona’s progress, which remains a stronger system with potentially greater impacts.

FAQs

Is Keli likely to impact Hawaii?

Currently, forecasters do not anticipate significant impacts to Hawaii from Keli due to its trajectory and expected weakening. Residents should stay informed via official updates.

How long will Keli last?

Forecast models suggest Keli will weaken and dissipate within approximately 60 hours, though it could weaken sooner due to its small size.

Should I be worried about Hurricane Iona?

Hurricane Iona remains a stronger system with the potential for greater impacts. Monitoring its progress is advisable.