Hurricane Nolo is forecast to cross the International Date Line this weekend and be redesignated Typhoon Nolo. The system is the same. The name changes because of basin jurisdiction.
Nolo weakened to a tropical storm earlier this week. Forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center show a west-northwest track into the western North Pacific between Oct 2 and Oct 5 2026.
What Is Happening Now With Hurricane Nolo
Nolo remains active in the Central Pacific after weakening from hurricane strength to tropical storm strength.
The NHC and JTWC both track the system toward the dateline. The forecast window centers on Oct 2-5 2026.
Crossing the line moves responsibility from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center to the Japan Meteorological Agency and JTWC for the western North Pacific.
Why Hurricane Nolo Could Become a Typhoon This Weekend
Hurricane is the term used in the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific. Typhoon is the term used in the Western North Pacific.
The International Date Line marks the administrative boundary between the Central Pacific and Western Pacific basins.
No new name is assigned. The storm keeps Nolo. Only the designation changes from hurricane to typhoon.
Hurricane Nolo Forecast to Cross International Date Line Into Western North Pacific
The projected track is west-northwest toward the dateline. Timing is this weekend.
The transition is from Central Pacific to Western Pacific. Conditions may allow re-intensification over warm waters.
Risk areas remain remote Pacific waters. No landfall is currently forecast for major islands.
Nolo Changes From a Hurricane to a Typhoon After Crossing the International Date Line
The transition is step-by-step. First the system crosses 180 degrees longitude.
Advisories then shift from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center to the Japan Meteorological Agency as the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center.
JTWC continues monitoring. Warnings and public information change format but refer to the same system.
Tracking continues under the name Typhoon Nolo.
Key Differences Between Hurricane and Typhoon Designations
| Aspect | Hurricane | Typhoon |
|---|---|---|
| Naming Authority | National Hurricane Center, Central Pacific Hurricane Center | Japan Meteorological Agency, JTWC |
| Basin | North Atlantic, Northeast Pacific, Central Pacific | Western North Pacific |
| Term | Hurricane | Typhoon |
| System Identity | Same storm retains name across basins | Same storm retains name across basins |
What to Watch Next
Intensity forecasts and model consensus will update as the crossing nears.
Potential impact on remote Pacific islands will be assessed by JMA.
Updates for Typhoon Nolo will be issued by JMA and JTWC after the dateline crossing.
FAQ
Is Typhoon Nolo a new storm?
No. It is the same system previously tracked as Hurricane Nolo.
Will the storm get a new name?
No. The name Nolo is retained.
Why do hurricanes become typhoons?
Terminology changes with basin. The physical system does not change.
How is the International Date Line used for storm naming?
The line defines basin boundaries for warning responsibility and designation.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Will Hurricane Nolo change its name when it becomes a typhoon?
- A: No. The storm keeps the name Nolo. Only the designation changes from hurricane to typhoon after crossing the International Date Line.
- Q: When is Hurricane Nolo expected to become Typhoon Nolo?
- A: Forecasts from NHC and JTWC show a west-northwest track crossing the International Date Line into the western North Pacific between Oct 2 and Oct 5 2026, this weekend.
- Q: Why does a hurricane become a typhoon?
- A: Hurricane is the term for the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, typhoon is used in the Western North Pacific. Crossing the administrative boundary moves responsibility to the Japan Meteorological Agency and JTWC.
- Q: Is Nolo still active now?
- A: Yes. Nolo weakened to a tropical storm earlier this week but remains active in the Central Pacific and is being tracked toward the dateline.
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Reference coverage: NBC News on Nolo changes from hurricane to typhoon after crossing the International Date Line. The Weather Company on why Hurricane Nolo could become Typhoon Nolo this weekend. Watchers News on forecast to cross International Date Line into western North Pacific transitioning into a typhoon.