Genevieve becomes first Eastern Pacific Category 5 hurricane since 2024

Genevieve strengthened into the first Category 5 hurricane in the Eastern Pacific basin since Hurricane Kristy in 2024 as it rapidly intensified early Monday. 

Hurricane Genevieve is also the Northern Hemisphere’s first major hurricane of the 2026 season, across both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins.

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The storm is currently barreling west-northwest across the open waters of the Eastern Pacific, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph.

Genevieve is expected to remain well out to sea, with no expected impacts to land.

However, Genevieve is bringing swells to parts of southern Baja California and the southwestern coast of Mexico that are causing life-threatening rip currents, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

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According to the FOX Forecast Center, the storm is moving into a region highly conducive to development, as the wind shear is expected to decrease while ocean temperatures continue to rise.

The water in the region is not only warm at the surface but also well below the surface, providing the storm with plenty of fuel.

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By the middle of the week, the hurricane will move over cooler waters, which will begin the weakening process.

Progressively cooler water will take its toll on the storm, so by the weekend, it will either be a weak system or have dissipated entirely.

The FOX Forecast Center said the storm poses no threat to land.

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Hurricane Genevieve was named Saturday night and quickly intensified into a Category 4 storm by Sunday evening.

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Typically, the average date for the first major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) in the eastern Pacific is July 15.

Stay with FOX Weather for the latest developments.