Invest 94L
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Florida is actively monitoring several weather disturbances in the Atlantic Ocean. The primary system of interest is a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms associated with a tropical wave. While the system shows signs of gradual organization, environmental conditions are only somewhat conducive for development in the coming days. Meteorologists note that there are still significant variables to consider, which could influence whether this system develops into a named storm.
In addition to the main disturbance, the NHC is also keeping an eye on a few other systems with potential for tropical cyclone development. Although early in their formation, these systems are currently scattered across different parts of the Atlantic basin. Experts emphasize the importance of local populations in potentially affected areas to stay up-to-date with official forecasts and advisories. With hurricane season still underway, the NHC continues to provide timely updates to ensure regional preparedness and safety.
November 12, 2026, at 3:36 PM EST
A strong cold front is forecast to move off the southeastern U.S. coast, bringing fresh to strong winds, and is expected to stretch from near 31N55W to eastern Cuba by Sunday morning. Gale-force winds are anticipated north of 29N. A Gale Warning is in effect; further details are available on the NWS High Seas Forecast.
In the Caribbean, fresh to strong trades are observed over the central region, with scattered showers in the NW Caribbean. Winds will slacken as a cold front approaches the Yucatan Channel, but fresh to strong trades may re-establish over the south-central Caribbean early next week.
Over the Atlantic, a pre-frontal trough and a cold front are causing moderate winds and scattered convection west of 60W. Another cold front from Morocco remains active. A strong cold front is expected to move off the southeastern U.S. coast tonight. Increasing northeast winds are forecast due to a Bermuda High by Monday, expanding north by Tuesday.
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.
