Jalisco Weighs Coastal Class Suspension as Hurricane Polo Advances

Jalisco is close to deciding whether to suspend in-person activities in municipalities on the Costa Norte and Costa Sur because Hurricane “Polo” is advancing. The decision will be made in the coming hours in coordination with the state’s Civil Protection agency. Puerto Vallarta is located on the Costa Norte, and the city remains under monitoring.

Reports differ on Polo’s strength. One report put the hurricane at Category 2 with maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 215 kilometers per hour. Another report said Polo had intensified rapidly to Category 4, with maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 260 kilometers per hour. A separate report said that on September 21, 2026 at 16:00, Polo remained a Category 1 hurricane. Another report stated that Hurricane “Polo” is Category 2. A further report said the phenomenon reached Category 1. The available reports therefore do not establish a single intensity figure.

Reports also differ on Polo’s position. It was placed approximately 465 kilometers south-southwest of Manzanillo, while other reports placed its center 495 kilometers south-southeast of Manzanillo, 530 kilometers south-southeast of Manzanillo, or 340 kilometers south of Zihuatanejo. Another report placed it about 305 kilometers southwest of Zihuatanejo, and another placed it 310 kilometers south-southwest of Zihuatanejo. There is still uncertainty about the hurricane’s exact track.

The hurricane’s core was forecast to remain offshore and pass near, but just offshore of, the coast of southwestern Mexico. Heavy rainfall associated with Polo was expected to affect coastal portions of southwest Mexico through Thursday. Point-heavy rainfall of 25 to 50 millimeters was expected in western and southern Jalisco and Colima. Point-very-heavy rainfall of 50 to 75 millimeters was expected on the coast and in southern Michoacán. Intense rainfall can rapidly increase water levels and create hazardous conditions in areas near waterways, low-lying areas, and slopes.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for portions of southwestern Mexico and had been extended to Manzanillo. The SMN extended a surveillance zone for tropical-storm-force winds from Técpan de Galeana, Guerrero, to Manzanillo, Colima. Swell could reach 1.5 to 2.5 meters along the coasts of Jalisco and Colima. Wave heights could increase in Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, and Guerrero.

Guerrero suspended activities on Tuesday, September 22, in both shifts at public and private schools, while Michoacán’s suspension applies Tuesday and Wednesday in the Sierra-Costa region. If confirmed, Jalisco would join those states in taking the preventive measure. Parents and students are advised to follow official channels for updates, including notices from Conagua, SMN, and Protección Civil.