Tropical Storm Isaias
Tropical Storm Isaias is intensifying rapidly and is forecasted to become a hurricane by Thursday morning. As of 400 PM CDT, Isaias is located at 22.7N 92.9W, moving east-northeast at 8 mph. It has maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and a minimum central pressure of 994 mb. The storm is expected to pass north of the Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday and make landfall along the U.S. northern Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday.
Various watches and warnings are in effect, including a Storm Surge Watch from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Yankeetown and a Hurricane Watch from Bay St. Louis to Indian Pass. Storm surge could cause significant coastal flooding in these areas. Rainfall from Isaias could reach 10 inches in parts of the central U.S. Gulf Coast, with flash and urban flooding expected. Tornado potential may increase as Isaias approaches the northeastern Gulf Coast. Dangerous surf and rip current conditions are also expected. Residents in affected areas should monitor updates and prepare accordingly.
Invest 92L
There is growing concern over a weather system identified as Invest 92L, which has formed in the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasts suggest that it could intensify into a hurricane, with experts closely monitoring its potential path and impact. Meteorological models currently exhibit variations, leading to uncertainty about the precise trajectory of the storm. Gulf Coast residents are advised to stay updated, as further development could influence local weather conditions significantly.
The National Hurricane Center is actively observing Invest 92L, as meteorologists evaluate data pointing to its potential to strengthen into Tropical Depression during the week. The system's proximity to coastal areas raises concerns about possible heavy rains and strong winds. Preparation measures are being urged to mitigate the risks, as similar systems have previously led to severe weather events. Once more data becomes available, forecasts will offer a clearer picture of the storm's likely development and impact.
Tropical Storm Isaias is currently located near 22.4N 93.6W, approximately 230 nm WNW of Progreso, Mexico. It is moving ENE at 7 kt with maximum sustained winds of 40 kt and gusts up to 50 kt. Rapid strengthening is expected, and Isaias is anticipated to develop into a hurricane by Thursday. The storm is projected to move north of the Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday and approach the northern Gulf Coast by Friday, potentially affecting these areas with life-threatening surf and rip currents.
There are also two tropical waves currently being monitored. One is located in the eastern Atlantic near 20W with associated scattered convection. The other wave is located in the Caribbean near 68.5W, producing numerous thunderstorms and moderate winds in the area.
The Gulf of America sees impact from Tropical Storm Isaias, with a secondary low-pressure system near 27.5N 86.5W and related front extending across the area causing fresh to strong winds. In the Caribbean, a weak pressure gradient is leading to moderate wind conditions, with expected increases as high pressure reestablishes near Bermuda.
In the Atlantic Ocean, a stationary front is present near the central Florida coast, generating fresh NE winds and showers. Further in the Atlantic, various troughs and the Azores high influence the wind patterns and sea conditions.
October 7, 2026, at 2:15 PM EDTThe 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.
