Tropical Storm Bud has formed in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This is the earliest date on record for the second tropical storm formation in the east Pacific. Although easterly shear continues to affect Bud, upper-level winds are expected to be more conducive for strengthening in a couple of days to hurricane status. Although forecast trends depict a weaker cyclone staying off the coast of Mexico, effects of the storm could still be felt along coastal areas of Jalisco, Colima and Michoacan. This image was taken by GOES East at 1745Z on May 22, 2012.