Tropical Depression Fay
Tropical Depression Fay has re-developed in the Atlantic Ocean. As of 900 PM GMT, it is located approximately 885 miles southwest of the Azores, moving west at 8 mph. The depression has maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, and some strengthening is possible in the coming days, followed by gradual weakening. No coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect.
Tropical Storm Fay, which had formed in the Atlantic, has weakened into a tropical depression, as reported by meteorological agencies. Initially, there was concern over its potential to strengthen into a hurricane; however, it failed to maintain its intensity. Despite weakening, the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay have prompted weather experts to keep a close watch on their potential to redevelop. The National Hurricane Center is also monitoring three additional tropical waves in the Atlantic, highlighting an active period in the hurricane season.
As the remnants of Fay meander over the ocean, meteorologists are not dismissing the possibility of re-intensification under the right conditions. These developments come as the tropics are being closely observed for several weather disturbances, including the so-called Invest 99L. This system, among others, is contributing to an unusually dynamic weather pattern. With these phenomena in play, residents in affected areas are urged to remain alert for updates as experts study the evolving tropical systems.
Invest 90L
The Atlantic hurricane season, influenced by a brewing super El Niño, is experiencing near-record low activity, with limited tropical disturbances emerging. Despite this low activity, the potential for development has increased, with two tropical systems showing signs of formation in the North and East Atlantic. Experts are monitoring these systems closely as they have the potential to strengthen and impact areas along the Atlantic basin. The involvement of El Niño suggests complex interactions that could shift weather patterns, necessitating vigilant observation from meteorologists.
Among the disturbances, Invest 90L stands out as a notable system with heightened chances of intensification in the Gulf region. Forecasters are analyzing its projected path, keeping a close eye on potential impacts, particularly on regions around Texas. As the situation develops, meteorologists emphasize preparedness for coastal communities, as rapidly changing conditions could lead to the swift formation of named storms. The broader context of an evolving El Niño phase adds another layer of complexity to this already dynamic and unpredictable season.
The Central Subtropical Atlantic is experiencing remnants of Former Tropical Storm Fay, with a 1013 mb low pressure near 30.5N37.5W. This system, moving westward, has a high chance of reforming into a tropical depression. Meanwhile, the Far Eastern Tropical Atlantic (AL90) sees a new tropical wave off West Africa, possibly forming into a tropical depression in the coming days while impacting the Cabo Verde Islands.
Heavy rainfall due to a mid to upper-level trough is affecting Central America, Jamaica, and Cuba. This is causing potential life-threatening flash floods and landslides, with heavy rains expected to continue through September 26.
Several tropical waves are analyzed across the Atlantic, with moderate convection noted around key locations. The Gulf of America is experiencing a weak pressure gradient, leading to light to moderate winds. A cold front is expected to move into the NE Gulf and stall over the SE Gulf during the weekend.
The Caribbean Sea sees fair weather generally, except significant convection in the NW regions. Moderate trades dominate the area, with some fresh winds south of 14N. The Atlantic Ocean remains under weak pressure with moderate wind activity, while scattered storms persist due to an upper-level trough.
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.
