Full Breakdown
Hurricane Fausto Strengthens, Forecasted to Near Hawaii Next Week
7/25/2026, 12:28:02 PM
Core Event
On July 24, 2026, forecasters reported Hurricane Fausto had intensified to a Category 2 storm in the eastern Pacific, with maximum sustained winds of 100–105 mph. The system was about 1,300 miles west of the southern tip of Baja California and 1,500 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii. The National Hurricane Center warned that swells could produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along parts of southern California.
Background & Context
Fausto developed while Tropical Storm Bertha affected the Gulf Coast. As the season’s first hurricane, Fausto entered the Central Pacific, prompting the NHC, the National Weather Service, and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center to issue marine and coastal advisories.
Data & Statistics
- Wind speeds: 100–105 mph (initial); forecast to decline to 40–45 mph by Tuesday.
- Wind field: hurricane-force winds extend 45 mi from the center; tropical-storm-force winds reach 185 mi outward.
- Movement: westward at 13–16 mph.
- Surf advisory: waves 8–12 ft on south-facing shores, with advisory-level surf on east-facing shores late Sunday into early next week.
Official Statements & Responses
- The NHC advisory urged “interests in the Hawaiian Islands” to monitor Fausto, noting uncertainty about impacts and expected weakening over cooler water.
- Honolulu’s NWS kept a high surf advisory for south-facing shores through early Friday and a small-craft advisory for all Hawaii waters, warning of hazardous ocean conditions.
- The Central Pacific Hurricane Center projected Fausto would enter the Central Pacific early Sunday as a strong tropical storm before weakening further.
Why It Matters / Impact
Potential hazards include life-threatening surf and rip currents along southern California, high surf on Hawaii’s south and east shores, and possible wind-rain effects if the storm remains near the islands. Marine hazards are the primary concern.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents on the south shores of all islands are experiencing 8–12-foot waves under the high surf advisory. Local forecasts call for mostly sunny skies, breezy tradewinds, and scattered showers on windward slopes, with daytime highs in the mid-80s °F and overnight lows in the mid-70s °F.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Wind intensity: early reports list 100–105 mph; later forecasts predict 40–45 mph by Tuesday.
- Distance to Hawaii: estimates range from 1,300 mi to 1,950 mi.
- Track and intensity: some models keep Fausto as a weakening tropical storm near the islands; others suggest it could become a remnant low before arrival.
- No definitive data on timing or severity of rainfall or wind impacts for specific islands.
What’s Next
The NHC expects Fausto to weaken to tropical-storm strength by early Monday and continue weakening as it approaches Hawaii early to mid-next week. Forecasts anticipate high surf along east-facing shores late Sunday into early next week, with the high surf advisory likely to be extended. Residents should monitor updates from the NHC and NWS and heed any future marine or coastal warnings.
