MEXICO - The 2018 East Pacific hurricane season is upon us, AccuWeather meterologists report. Considered to be the first tropical storm of 2018, Aletta developed south of Mexico on Wednesday morning and began as a tropical depression south of Mexico on Tuesday night.

"Aletta should become a hurricane later today or Friday," said AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski.

Aletta is expected to strengthen into the weekend, as the tropical systems tracks west-northwest, south of the Mexico coastline. According to AccuWeather, the forecasted track of Aletta will keep the worst conditions offshore, limiting potential damage on land.

Damaging winds and widespread flash flooding are not expected. However, widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected to occur from Oaxaca to Jalisco through Friday. AccuWeather warned that some localized events of flash flooding could be possible, but most locations should expect only an uptick in rainfall.

While there is no imminent risk for the produce industry, avocado, blueberry, and mango growers may see some rain and flooding in their growing regions.

AccuWeather reported that a second tropical threat is expected to develop south of southern Mexico this weekend or early next week. There will be a higher risk for direct impacts from this potential tropical system as it tracks closer to the Mexico coastline.

AndNowUKnow will continue to follow these storms as they develop and their potential impacts on fresh produce, so stay tuned.