Invest 94L
This weekend, meteorologists are closely monitoring the development of a weather system in the Caribbean known as Invest 94L, which could have implications for Florida. Currently, this system is exhibiting characteristics that could potentially evolve into a tropical storm, prompting advisories and preparations, especially along the Florida coastline. Weather models indicate variable outcomes, but there's a consensus that some areas might experience heavy rainfall and increased winds as the system progresses northward. Residents in potentially affected areas are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take precautionary measures if necessary.
Invest 94L is situated in a region conducive to development over the next couple of days, urging both local authorities and the community to remain vigilant. The National Hurricane Center has highlighted the possibility of further intensification if conditions remain favorable. Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding the exact path and impact level calls for continuous monitoring. Preparations such as securing outdoor objects and reviewing emergency plans are recommended to minimize potential disruptions as the system approaches the U.S. mainland.
November 13, 2026, at 6:15 PM EST
A strong cold front is moving through the North-Central Atlantic, leading to a gale warning for areas north of 29N due to strong southwest winds. The cold front extends from 31N75W to South Florida and will progress further by the weekend. See the NWS High Seas Forecast for detailed information.
In the Gulf of America, a cold front stretches from Naples, Florida to near Tampico, Mexico, with moderate to fresh north winds expected to gradually diminish. By early next week, another front will introduce fresh to strong winds, with potential near-gale conditions in the northeastern Gulf.
The Caribbean Sea experiences fresh to strong winds east of 76W, with a surface trough causing moderate to strong convection impacting Cuba and Jamaica. A cold front entering the northwestern Caribbean will bring moderate to fresh northeast to east winds into Sun night, with trade winds likely strengthening early next week.
Across the Atlantic Ocean, the same cold front impacting the North-Central Atlantic affects the region from 31N75W to South Florida. Associated pre-frontal troughs induce thunderstorms affecting the Bahamas and Cuba. Fresh winds prevail elsewhere, and the front will shift east by late Sun night. A building Bermuda High will influence weather patterns by tightening the pressure gradient and supporting strong northeast winds starting Mon.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2025.
Named Storms: 8 to 14
Hurricanes: 3 to 6
Major Hurricanes (Category 3 or higher): 1 to 3
Accumulate Cyclone Energy (ACE): 95% to 180% of the median
Primary Influencing Factor: Developing El Niño conditions expected to suppress Atlantic storm activity
This forecast indicates:
Despite the lower forecast, NOAA emphasizes that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to create a major disaster, and residents in hurricane-prone areas should still prepare as usual for the season.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30Key: Active Past Future
*Press/click the storm name to view additional detailsDespite fewer total storms than forecasted, the 2025 season produced several extremely intense hurricanes, including three Category 5 systems, making it one of the more powerful Atlantic seasons in recent history.
2020 - 30 named storms, 14 hurricanes
Hurricane Katrina (2005) - $125 billion
Harvey (2017) - $125 billion
Hurricane Patricia (2015) - 215 mph (345 km/h)
Hurricane Allen (1980) - 190 mph (305 km/h)
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating system that classifies hurricanes based on their sustained wind speeds and the potential damage they can cause. It helps communicate the intensity of hurricanes and the likely impacts on structures and environments. The scale does not account for factors like storm surge or rainfall, focusing only on wind speeds.
Watching the Tropics was originally built as a personal storm tracker with only the most important charts for the Atlantic hurricane basin. Numerous sites are available for tracking hurricanes, but Watching the Tropics minimizes extra "noise" and shows only what you need.
Designed in Florida by
"Watching the tropics" refers to monitoring tropical weather systems, such as tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes, in regions close to the equator. Meteorologists and weather enthusiasts often use this phrase during hurricane season to indicate that they're keeping an eye on developing weather systems that could potentially strengthen and impact areas like the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean.
Websites, news outlets, or weather services also use "Tropics Watch" to keep the public informed about the latest developments in the tropics, especially during peak hurricane season.
An "invest" refers to an area of disturbed weather that meteorologists are investigating for potential tropical development. The term "invest" is short for "investigation area."
When an area is designated as an invest, it is given a number (between 90 and 99) followed by the letter "L" for systems in the North Atlantic or "E" for systems in the Eastern Pacific. For example, "Invest 91L" would refer to the 91st area of interest in the Atlantic basin for that season.
The designation of an invest allows meteorologists to focus their resources on a specific area, utilize specialized forecasting models, and issue updates as needed.
A tropical depression is a type of tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of less than 39 mph (34 knots or 63 km/h).
Key characteristics:
It's the first stage of development in the tropical cyclone classification used by the National Hurricane Center, followed by tropical storm and then hurricane.
