Overview
- Hurricane Fausto is producing long‑range swells that are already affecting the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula and beaches in southern California, prompting local warnings.
- The National Hurricane Center says the swells are likely to cause life‑threatening surf and strong rip currents, and the San Diego National Weather Service warned of elevated surf and dangerous currents for beachgoers through the weekend.
- NHC forecasters project Fausto will track westward into the Central Pacific and gradually weaken because it will move over cooler sea surface temperatures and into an area of increased wind shear.
- Hawaii officials say it is too early to predict direct impacts, but confidence is growing that east‑facing shores could see a notable swell late this weekend into next week if Fausto's track sends energy toward the islands.
- NOAA forecasts an above‑normal eastern Pacific hurricane season with up to about 22 named storms driven by El Niño, meaning coastal communities should expect repeated surf and rip current hazards even when storms remain offshore.