While Tropical Storm Bertha continues to spin in the Gulf, Hurricane Fausto is churning up rough seas in the Pacific, and could impact Hawaii next week, forecasters said.
Although the center of the 80-mph
hurricane is more than 1,000 miles from the U.S. West Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center, "swells generated by Fausto are affecting portions of the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula and the coast of southern California."
"These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions," the hurricane center said.
The National Weather Service office in San Diego warned of "elevated surf" and "strong currents" for beachgoers there from Thursday through Sunday.
Could Fausto impact Hawaii?
Next week, the weather across Hawaii "will depend on the eventual track and intensity of Tropical Cyclone Fausto," the weather service office in Honolulu said.
The hurricane center is forecasting a gradual weakening of this system as it tracks westward and enters the Central Pacific this weekend, with further weakening expected early next week as it moves into a more hostile environment with cooler waters and increased shear.
"At this time, [it's] too early to predict any direct impacts from Fausto on Hawaii, though confidence is increasing in east-facing shores receiving a decent swell late this weekend into early next week."
Busy Pacific season expected
While the potent El Niño acts to snuff out storms in the Atlantic, it has the opposite effect in the Pacific, where a very active season is predicted.
Specifically, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-normal 2026 eastern Pacific hurricane season, calling for as many as 22 named storms.
An average eastern Pacific season sees 15 named storms. Already, six storms have formed.
Doyle Rice is a national correspondent for USA TODAY, with a focus on weather and climate.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricane Fausto roars in Pacific Ocean, could impact Hawaii next week
