Invest 96L
The National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring a tropical wave in the Atlantic, designated as Invest 96L, which has the potential to develop into a tropical storm. Forecasters have noted that the system is currently located between the west coast of Africa and the Caribbean, with environmental conditions appearing favorable for gradual development over the next few days. While the system shows signs of organization, there remains some uncertainty regarding its intensity and track as it moves westward. Experts suggest that the coming days will be crucial in determining whether Invest 96L will strengthen or dissipate.
In addition to Invest 96L, another disturbance is being tracked as it moves through the Atlantic, emphasizing the importance of vigilance during this active hurricane season. The next named storm, should these systems develop, will be called Dolly. Meteorologists are advising those in potentially affected areas to stay informed and prepare for possible impacts, although it is still too early to predict the precise effects on land. Continuous updates from the National Hurricane Center and other meteorological services will provide guidance as these weather events evolve.
Invest 95L
The National Hurricane Center is closely monitoring two tropical waves in the Atlantic Ocean, with one system, known as Invest 96L, showing potential for further development. Meteorologists predict that if conditions remain favorable, Invest 96L could strengthen into a tropical depression or even a tropical storm in the coming days. The system, currently located in the central Atlantic, is expected to encounter some unfavorable atmospheric conditions, but its progress will be carefully watched as it moves westward. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Dolly has been identified as the next name on the hurricane list, should any of these disturbances reach the required intensity.
Elsewhere near Bermuda, Invest 95L has formed, raising questions about its potential impact on the southeastern United States, particularly Florida. Although current models suggest a minimal chance of the system making landfall in Florida, residents are still advised to remain alert as tropical systems can be unpredictable. As the peak of the hurricane season approaches, meteorologists remain vigilant in tracking these developments, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for those in hurricane-prone areas. The upcoming weeks could see increased activity, highlighting the need for residents along the Atlantic Coast to stay informed and ready for any potential threats.
August 26, 2026, at 2:15 AM EDT
An area of low pressure in the Eastern Tropical Atlantic, designated as Invest AL96, is producing showers and thunderstorms. Conditions are somewhat favorable for development, and a tropical depression may form as the system moves westward, although conditions may become less favorable by the weekend. High potential for formation exists over the next 48 hours.
The South Central Caribbean is under a Gale Warning due to the pressure gradient causing pulsing winds and very rough seas off northern Colombia and the Gulf of Venezuela. Fresh to strong trades dominate the central Caribbean, with rough seas, while gentle to moderate winds prevail in the NW. Moderate to fresh trades and moderate seas are expected in the eastern Caribbean. Invest AL96 may impact the Tropical North Atlantic with increasing winds by the weekend.
Across the Atlantic, moderate trades are observed west of 35W with seas ranging from 4-7 ft due to the northward-displaced Azores High. A deep layer trough is causing scattered moderate convection north of 23N. A stationary front is present along 30N east of 40W. Moderate to fresh winds are seen from the Canary Islands to north of the Cabo Verdes, with seas of 5-8 ft. Looking ahead, Invest AL96 has the potential to impact the southeast waters by late Saturday into Sunday.
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.
