Tropical Storm Genevieve has formed in the Eastern Pacific, but the title shouldn’t hold for too long. The storm is expected to rapidly intensify into the first major hurricane of the 2026 Eastern Pacific hurricane season. Just ahead of Genevieve, Hurricane Fausto is maintaining category 2 strength. FOX Weather Meteorologist Jane Minar breaks down latest happenings in the Eastern Pacific.
Hurricane Fausto peaked in intensity as a category 2 storm on Friday, as it hurtles through the East Pacific and brings attention to the Hawaiian Islands.
As it heads toward Hawaii, Fausto will be met with a hostile environment that makes tropical development much less likely.
The FOX Forecast Center said cooler waters and intensely dry air will slowly weaken the storm as it inches closer to Hawaii.
BRYAN NORCROSS: THE ATLANTIC GOES QUIET AFTER BERTHA FADES AWAY
Hurricane Fausto forecast cone
(FOX Weather)
By the time Fausto hits the islands, it’s expected to be a very weak tropical storm, but forecast models show the system ranging from a tropical storm to a weak remnant low.
If the storm does hold together, impacts to Hawaii will range from heavy rain to high surf on the east and northeast-facing beaches on the islands.
HONOLULU, HI – AUGUST 24: A large home on the coast is hit by waves from Hurricane Lane on August 24, 2018 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
(Kat Wade / Getty Images)
The FOX Forecast Center said Hawaii will begin to see impacts Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Forecasts could change as the storm gets closer.
Tropical Storm Genevieve expected to become first major hurricane of the 2026 East Pacific season
What began as Tropical Depression Seven-E rapidly strengthened into Tropical Storm Genevieve on Friday, and forecasters say its strengthening is far from over.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Genevieve is expected to rapidly intensify over the next few days and is forecast to become the first major hurricane of the 2026 eastern Pacific hurricane season.
‘EVOLVING CRISIS’: COULD EL NIÑO BRING NEEDED RAIN TO THE 2 LARGEST RESERVOIRS IN THE US?
Tropical Storm Genevieve
(FOX Weather)
Tropical Storm Genevieve was located about 585 miles south of Zihuatanejo, Mexico, according to the latest advisory.
Fortunately, current forecasts indicate Tropical Storm Genevieve is expected to remain over the open eastern Pacific, posing no threat to land, including Hawaii.
Tropical Storm Genevieve
(FOX Weather)
Other activity
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring another system far to the southwest of Hawaii.
The system has a high chance of development over the next week.
East Pacific overview
(FOX Weather)
A tropical depression is likely to form as the system moves west-northwest into the Western Pacific, the NHC said.
We’re currently behind schedule in tropical activity in the East Pacific, with the average second hurricane forming by July 15, and the third forming by July 31.