Hurricane Fausto

000
WTPZ41 KNHC 251433
TCDEP1
 
Hurricane Fausto Discussion Number  27
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       EP062026
500 AM HST Sat Jul 25 2026
 
The recent satellite evolution of Fausto suggests the hurricane may 
have undergone an eyewall replacement cycle. The ragged eye of the 
hurricane has grown in size to about 30 n mi, while the inner 
eyewall convection decayed earlier this morning. A dry slot noted on 
the eastern side of the hurricane shows there are still pockets of 
dry air tangled up within the circulation, but for now the ring of 
deep convection surrounding the eye is closed. The initial intensity 
is held at 85 kt based on a blend of the latest Dvorak (77 kt) and 
objective (77-94 kt) estimates. A G-IV synoptic surveillance mission 
later today will sample the environment around Fausto.
 
Based on the structural changes of Fausto, small near-term intensity 
fluctuations are possible. However, all of the guidance continues to 
support gradual weakening over the next several days as Fausto moves 
over marginal sea-surface temperatures and into an even drier 
environment. In addition, Fausto will encounter increasing 
southwesterly shear while it approaches the Hawaiian Islands, which 
will displace the convection and strongest winds to the northern 
side of the circulation. No major changes have been made to the NHC 
intensity forecast, which follows the latest simple (IVCN) and 
corrected (HCCA) consensus aids. Fausto is predicted to be a 
weakening, sheared tropical storm when it passes near Hawaii.
 
The hurricane is moving westward at 12 kt along the southern 
periphery of a narrow subtropical ridge over the eastern and central 
Pacific. This feature should keep Fausto on a westward heading 
through the next several days, bringing the center into the central 
Pacific basin on Sunday and toward Hawaii early next week. The 
center of Fausto is forecast to make its closest approach to the 
Hawaiian Islands on Tuesday and Wednesday. The track guidance 
trended slightly northward this cycle, and the updated NHC track 
forecast has been nudged in that direction. While the current 
forecast brings the center of Fausto just to the north of the 
Hawaiian Islands, interests across the state should continue to pay 
close attention to forecast updates.
 
 
Key Messages:
 
1. Fausto is expected to weaken as it approaches the Hawaiian
Islands early next week, but uncertainty remains regarding its exact
track and intensity. While the current forecast brings the center
just north of the islands, a track farther south would result in a
greater risk of stronger winds and heavier rainfall. Interests
across Hawaii should continue to monitor the progress of Fausto.
 
2. Confidence is high that swells generated by Fausto will reach the
Hawaiian Islands well in advance of the cyclone, producing
increasing surf and dangerous rip currents. Surf is expected to
begin building across east-facing shores of the eastern end of the
state on Sunday, spreading westward Sunday night into Monday, and
continue building through Tuesday as Fausto approaches and moves
into the area.
 
 
FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS
 
INIT  25/1500Z 19.1N 136.5W   85 KT 100 MPH
 12H  26/0000Z 19.5N 138.1W   80 KT  90 MPH
 24H  26/1200Z 19.9N 140.5W   75 KT  85 MPH
 36H  27/0000Z 20.3N 142.9W   70 KT  80 MPH
 48H  27/1200Z 20.7N 145.6W   65 KT  75 MPH
 60H  28/0000Z 21.1N 148.5W   60 KT  70 MPH
 72H  28/1200Z 21.6N 151.2W   55 KT  65 MPH
 96H  29/1200Z 22.5N 156.1W   45 KT  50 MPH
120H  30/1200Z 23.5N 161.0W   35 KT  40 MPH
 
$$
Forecaster Reinhart