After steady intensification, it was upgraded into a hurricane on June 9.
Although significant wind shear persisted, the National Hurricane Center noted steady intensification to moderate tropical storm status.
Initially, an upper-level low to the north was shearing the convection, but steady intensification was expected due to generally favorable conditions, with an anticyclone expected to develop aloft.
Due to generally favorable conditions, including warm waters and light to moderate wind shear, the NHC predicted steady intensification to winds of at least 65 mph (100 km/h).
Ava tracked west-northwestward at a pace of 17 mph (27 km/h) while going through steady intensification.
This allowed for steady intensification as it tracked through the Gulf of Tehuantepec.
On August 20, steady intensification began, and John was a major hurricane when it entered the central Pacific.
A steady intensification carried Tropical Storm Patsy's windspeeds up to 155 mph (250 km/h) and a pressure of 918 mbar.
Due to these conditions, Meteorologists at the NHC were anticipating steady intensification.
Due to low amounts of vertical shear, very warm waters, and abundant moisture, steady intensification was forecast, and the depression strengthened to Tropical Storm John later on August 28.