The storm quickly dissipated several hours later, although its mid-level circulation remained intact and later spawned what would become Hurricane Otis in the Eastern Pacific.

The system subsequently interacted with a mid-level trough over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on September 3,[1] and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) began monitoring it for potential tropical cyclogenesis, despite largely unfavorable environmental conditions.

[3] A well-defined surface circulation formed on September 5, and thus, the system became a tropical depression at 12:00 UTC about 40 mi (65 km) east of the Tamaulipas–Veracruz state line.

[1] The NHC initiated advisories on Tropical Depression Thirteen at 21:00 UTC, after ASCAT data indicated a well-defined circulation and winds of 35 mph (56 km/h).

With gradually decreasing wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures, the system intensified into Tropical Storm Katia on September 6, as the convection became better organized.

[5] An aircraft reconnaissance flight into the storm later on September 6 found a partial eyewall and surface winds of 76 mph (122 km/h); on that basis, the NHC upgraded Katia to hurricane status.

[8] On September 7, a developing ridge over the northern Gulf of Mexico caused Katia to turn west-southwestwards as it continued to slowly strengthen.

[8] Six hours later, Katia reached peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 972 mbar (hPa; 28.70 inHg).

[1] Katia's remnants traveled across Central America and later emerged over the Pacific Ocean, where they contributed to the development of Tropical Depression Fifteen-E.

[10] The Servicio Meteorológico Nacional warned residents and tourists not to visit Popocatépetl and Pico de Orizaba due to the possibility of lahars.

[1] The cyclone brought floods, mudslides, and strong winds to areas recently devastated by Mexico's most damaging earthquake in over 100 years.

[17][18] Following the storm, it was requested of the Interior Secretariat to declare a state of emergency in 40 municipalities, granting the authority to use federal funds for disaster relief.