Tropical Storm Cristobal
Tropical Storm Cristobal has formed over the central subtropical Atlantic, located about 880 miles (1420 km) west of the Azores. It is moving east at 25 mph (41 km/h) with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h). No coastal watches or warnings are in effect, and the storm is expected to dissipate by Thursday. There are currently no hazards affecting land.





A developing system in the Atlantic has heightened concerns as it shows potential to evolve into Tropical Storm Cristobal in the coming days. According to the latest models, there are two disturbances in the region that have shown increasing organization, suggesting a likelihood of tropical development. The National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring these disturbances, with one having a higher chance of intensifying into a named storm. Meteorologists are urging coastal communities to stay informed as forecasts predict possible impacts on land, especially if the system strengthens further.
Spaghetti models, which provide a range of possible storm paths, indicate various scenarios depending on the system's development. Some models suggest that if Cristobal forms, it could head towards the southeastern United States, bringing with it heavy rains and strong winds. The uncertainty in model predictions emphasizes the need for vigilance among residents in potentially affected areas. As the Atlantic hurricane season continues, preparedness and attentiveness will be crucial in mitigating the impacts of such tropical phenomena.
Invest 93L





The Atlantic and Pacific basins are experiencing heightened tropical activity, as several systems show potential for further development. In the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Cristobal is closely monitored, with spaghetti models suggesting possible impacts on Florida, while systems Invest 92L and Invest 93L are also under observation for development. Concurrently, in the Pacific, Invest 93C is being watched as it churns with the possibility of strengthening into a tropical depression by mid-week. These developments underscore the intensifying nature of this hurricane season as various systems show signs of further strengthening.
Adding to the activity, a tropical wave moving across the Atlantic has an 80% likelihood of becoming a more organized system and may soon make its way into the Caribbean. Metereological forecasts indicate that two areas within the Atlantic have high chances of developing into named storms in the near future, potentially affecting regions vulnerable to storm impacts. Additionally, Hurricane Gabrielle and systems Invest 93L and Invest 94L are part of a suite of disturbances analyzed for possible impacts along the Atlantic coastlines. The vigilant monitoring and predictive models used by meteorologists are crucial in preparing for potential weather events during this active period.
Invest 92L





As the Atlantic hurricane season intensifies, meteorologists are closely monitoring two potential systems, identified as Invest 92L and Invest 93L, which have shown significant signs of development. The National Hurricane Center has awarded Invest 92L a high likelihood of intensifying into a tropical depression by the end of the week, as it progresses towards the Caribbean. This system currently presents diverse possible pathways which could potentially impact the weather patterns in regions like Florida depending on its development and trajectory. Meanwhile, Invest 93L is also being scrutinized as it lingers off the coast, showcasing a slower development rate compared to its counterpart.
Forecasts indicate that these tropical disturbances could escalate into more structured storms as they move through favorable conditions in the Atlantic Ocean. Meteorologists are using data such as wind patterns and sea surface temperatures to refine their models, suggesting that Floridians stay alert as these systems evolve. Should these systems develop further, they could mark a significant point in the hurricane season, potentially necessitating preparedness measures along the southeastern United States. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of monitoring official weather advisories in the coming days as the scenario unfolds.
August 12, 2026, at 5:00 AM EDT
Invest AL92, located over the central Atlantic, is showing signs of organization with showers and thunderstorms around a tropical wave near 38W-39W. Environmental conditions favor the development of a tropical depression within the next few days as it moves west to west-northwest at 10 to 15 kt across the central tropical Atlantic. There is a high chance of tropical formation in the next seven days.
Another tropical wave is moving away from the African coast along 21W with scattered convection, while additional waves are present at 59W and 71W across Hispaniola, and along 87W across the Gulf of Honduras. These waves are contributing to scattered moderate convection across their respective areas.
The monsoon trough extends from the Atlantic near 14.5N17W to 11N36.5W, with scattered moderate convection between 24W and 52W. High pressure is affecting the western Atlantic, extending from 27N-28N over Florida into the northern Gulf of America, leading to gentle to moderate winds and light seas.
In the central Caribbean, a pressure gradient is causing fresh to strong winds south of 17N, impacting the Colombian coast. The Atlantic ridge will bolster trade winds over the Caribbean through the week, potentially reaching gale-force near Colombia over the weekend.
High pressure dominates the Atlantic waters north of 18N, with Invest AL92 showing developing organization between 30W and 40W, characterized by broad cyclonic winds and moderate seas.
Forecasts for the Atlantic include a tropical depression likely forming in the central tropical Atlantic as it advances toward the Lesser Antilles over the weekend. The Atlantic high pressure ridge will weaken slightly over the weekend, with fresh winds expected south of 23N.
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.