Invest 93L
A new weather disturbance, Invest 93C, is developing in the Pacific Ocean with the potential to escalate into a tropical depression by Wednesday. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the system's path and strength as it churns in the ocean. Predictions indicate that the storm could impact weather conditions significantly, prompting coastal areas to brace for potential heavy rains and strong winds. Precautions are advised as authorities keep a vigilant eye on the storm's progression.
Meanwhile, in the Atlantic, Hurricane Gabrielle is drawing attention alongside Invest 93L and Invest 94L, with their projected paths sparking concern in areas like Naples, Florida. Spaghetti models indicate uncertainty in the storms' trajectories, making precise forecasts difficult. Residents along the Gulf Coast, particularly near Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lee County, are on alert for potential adverse weather impacts. The National Hurricane Center continues to provide updated information as these weather systems evolve.
Invest 92L
As the Atlantic hurricane season intensifies, meteorologists are closely monitoring a surge in tropical activity. Several tropical waves are on the brink of forming over the Atlantic Ocean, with a keen eye on those poised to emerge from Africa's west coast. This heightened activity suggests a potential increase in tropical depressions, with one system reportedly likely to form into a named storm in the coming days. The convergence of these systems could signal a significant period of storm development, necessitating vigilant tracking and preparedness.
The National Hurricane Center is paying particular attention to an area designated as Invest 92L, which may soon transform into Tropical Storm Gabrielle. As spaghetti models predict various trajectories, the potential impact on Florida and nearby regions remains under scrutiny. Residents are urged to review emergency plans and gather necessary supplies in anticipation of possible storm hits. This development highlights the importance of staying informed during the peak of hurricane season, as conditions can escalate rapidly, emphasizing preparedness and safety.
August 12, 2026, at 2:15 AM EDT
Invest AL92 in the central tropical Atlantic is exhibiting increased organization with showers and thunderstorms. A tropical depression is forecasted to likely develop within the next few days as it moves westward. There is a medium chance of tropical formation within 48 hours and a high chance over the next 7 days.
Multiple tropical waves are currently tracked including one near the African coast, another near 57W, and others affecting regions such as Hispaniola and the Gulf of Honduras. These waves are generating scattered moderate to isolated strong convection in respective areas.
The high-pressure system over the Gulf of America is producing light to moderate winds and seas, with occasional fresh winds near the Yucatan Peninsula. This pattern is expected to persist through the forecast period with slight modifications over the weekend.
In the Caribbean Sea, the interaction of a pressure gradient is causing strong winds over the central regions with fresh winds through the Windward Passage. The arrival of a tropical wave will intensify winds and expand coverage over central and eastern areas later in the week.
In the Atlantic Ocean, high pressure dominates north of 20N, with gentle winds and moderate seas. A tropical wave's development is anticipated, likely forming a tropical depression as it moves toward the Lesser Antilles this weekend.
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.
