Tropical Storm Fay
Tropical Storm Fay is continuing to strengthen and may reach hurricane status. As of 900 PM GMT, Fay is located 405 miles southwest of the Azores, moving north-northeast at 6 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. No coastal watches or warnings are currently in effect, and Fay is expected to turn southwest on Monday, with a gradual weakening trend to follow. Next advisory at 300 AM GMT.
Tropical Storm Fay has formed in the Atlantic, causing growing concern among meteorologists and residents in its potential path. The storm developed from the tropical disturbance known as Invest 98L and is currently tracking toward the western Atlantic, with projections suggesting it may impact the East Coast of the United States. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the storm's progress, utilizing various predictive models to track its path and potential intensification. As Fay nears Bermuda, meteorologists warn of possible impacts ranging from heavy rains to strong winds, urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant.
The National Hurricane Center has indicated that Tropical Storm Fay is moving northwestward, with the possibility of strengthening into a hurricane if conditions remain favorable. While the storm's exact trajectory remains uncertain, preparations are underway in several coastal areas as precautionary measures. The storm could pose significant threats depending on its eventual path, with forecasters underscoring the importance of staying informed through trusted weather updates. As Fay continues to advance, communities from Bermuda to parts of the U.S. East Coast are advised to keep a close watch and prepare for potential adverse weather conditions.
Invest 99L
Florida is bracing for the potential impact of multiple tropical systems brewing in the Atlantic as forecasts indicate increased activity in the region. Meteorologists are closely monitoring Invest 98L, which has the potential to develop into a tropical storm that could bring significant rain and thunderstorms to the state. As hurricane season progresses, Florida residents are being advised to stay informed and prepared for possible adverse weather conditions. Local emergency services are on high alert, ensuring that necessary resources are in place should any system strengthen and pose a direct threat to the state.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Fernand, designated as Invest 99L during its early stages, continues to garner attention northeast of Puerto Rico. Though Fernand's exact trajectory remains uncertain, forecasters are keeping a close watch on its developments to better gauge any possible impacts on Florida and surrounding areas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other weather agencies are actively updating projections and advisories as they gather more data on these weather systems. With the Atlantic hurricane season entering its peak period, vigilance remains crucial for communities in potentially affected regions.
September 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM EDT
A central Atlantic tropical wave is located near 45W with no significant convection currently associated with it. In the Gulf of America, weak pressure gradients persist alongside scattered showers and thunderstorms influenced by an upper low over Florida. The western Caribbean sees moderate to fresh trades and associated convection due to the Eastern Pacific monsoon trough. Meanwhile, over the Atlantic Ocean, Tropical Storm Fay is situated southwest of the Azores, with scattered thunderstorms influenced by upper troughs and ridging across the region.
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.
