Watching the Tropics

Watching the Tropics is updated at 2AM, 5AM, 8AM, 11AM, 2PM, 5PM, 8PM, and 11PM daily
9/29/2026 5:04:31 PM
Atlantic Hurricane Basin Tracking Updates
Watching the Tropics tracks storms destined to the United States East coast, the Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico out of the Atlantic hurricane basin.
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Tropical Storm Hanna Tropical Storm Hanna

Advisory:
9/29/2026 9:00:00 PM
Location:
34, -44.5
Winds:
40 mph
Movement:
SE at 12 mph
Pressure:
1005 mb

Tropical Storm Hanna is moving southeastward with sustained winds of 40 mph and is expected to gradually weaken, potentially becoming a post-tropical cyclone by Thursday. Currently located about 1175 miles east of Bermuda and 1015 miles west of the Azores, Hanna is moving at 12 mph with no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Tropical storm force winds extend up to 70 miles from the center.

Tropical Storm Hanna - 3 Day Tropical Storm Winds
Tropical Storm Hanna - 3 Day Tropical Storm Winds
Tropical Storm Hanna - Current Wind
Tropical Storm Hanna - Current Wind
Storm Tropical Storm Hanna Spaghetti Models
Tropical Storm Hanna Spaghetti Models
Storm Tropical Storm Hanna Precipitation
Tropical Storm Hanna Precipitation
Storm Tropical Storm Hanna Thunderstorm Probability
Tropical Storm Hanna Thunderstorm Probability
Storm Tropical Storm Hanna wind speed projections
Tropical Storm Hanna Wind Speed Projections
Storm Tropical Storm Hanna wind speed history
Tropical Storm Hanna Wind Speed History
Storm Tropical Storm Hanna historical path
Tropical Storm Hanna Historical Path

Tropical Storm Hanna Status

Tropical Storm Hanna has recently formed in the Atlantic Ocean, raising concerns about its potential impact on several regions, including Bermuda and parts of the southeastern United States. Meteorologists are closely monitoring its trajectory, as forecasts suggest the storm could intensify within the coming days. As Hanna moves across the Atlantic, questions remain about whether it will pose a significant threat to Bermuda or veer closer to the U.S. coastline. Preparations are underway in vulnerable areas as officials urge residents to stay informed about the latest advisories and forecasts.

Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Fay, another system in the Atlantic, is also being observed by hurricane trackers. They are analyzing different models to predict its path and potential intensification. Fay's development adds another layer of complexity to the current active hurricane season, which has already seen multiple storm formations. Residents in areas potentially affected by these systems are advised to stay vigilant, as conditions rapidly change and further updates are released from weather authorities.

Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay

Advisory:
9/29/2026 5:00:00 PM
Location:
23.7, -48.2
Winds:
30 mph
Movement:
WSW at 12 mph
Pressure:
1011 mb

Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay has become a post-tropical cyclone and this is the final advisory from the National Hurricane Center. As of 5:00 PM AST, Fay is located about 1590 miles west-southwest of the Azores, with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph. It is moving west-southwest at 12 mph. No coastal watches or warnings are in effect, and Fay is expected to dissipate in about a day. For further information, refer to High Seas Forecasts by the National Weather Service.

Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay - 3 Day Tropical Storm Winds
Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay - 3 Day Tropical Storm Winds
Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay - Current Wind
Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay - Current Wind
Storm Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay Spaghetti Models
Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay Spaghetti Models
Storm Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay Precipitation
Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay Precipitation
Storm Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay Thunderstorm Probability
Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay Thunderstorm Probability
Storm Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay wind speed projections
Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay Wind Speed Projections
Storm Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay wind speed history
Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay Wind Speed History
Storm Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay historical path
Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay Historical Path

Post-Tropical Cyclone Fay Status

Tropical Storm Fay, currently moving across the Atlantic, is showing signs of weakening as it encounters unfavorable conditions, including cooler waters and increased wind shear. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicates that Fay could transition into a post-tropical cyclone as its strength diminishes, posing less of a threat to populated areas along the proposed path. Of growing interest is another disturbance in the Atlantic that meteorologists are monitoring closely; it could potentially develop into a more formidable system. For now, areas that were initially on alert for Fay can expect to experience less severe weather as the storm dissipates.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Hanna is also showing signs of weakening and is projected to transition into a post-tropical state later this week as it loses its tropical characteristics. Despite initially posing a threat, Hanna's rapid weakening suggests that the storm will likely not bring significant hazards to the mainland. Forecasters continue to monitor both storms, taking stock of their paths and potential impacts in collaboration with the NHC's updates. The current focus remains on preparing for the unexpected development of storms in the ever-active Atlantic hurricane season.

Invest 91L Invest 91L

Advisory:
9/28/2026 12:00:00 AM UTC
Location:
36.7, -51.3
Winds:
30 mph
Pressure:
1010 mb
Storm Invest 91L Spaghetti Models
Invest 91L Spaghetti Models
Storm Invest 91L Precipitation
Invest 91L Precipitation
Storm Invest 91L Thunderstorm Probability
Invest 91L Thunderstorm Probability
Storm Invest 91L wind speed projections
Invest 91L Wind Speed Projections
Storm Invest 91L wind speed history
Invest 91L Wind Speed History

Invest 91L Status

Invest 91L, initially anticipated to develop into a tropical depression or storm, has recently weakened, reducing its chances of further development significantly. Weather experts had been monitoring the system closely, projecting it could form into a tropical storm that might affect regions in the Caribbean and southeastern United States. However, due to decreased organization and weakening atmospheric conditions, the storm's potential impact has lessened, easing concerns for those in its potential path. Forecasters continue to watch the system as it moves, but expectations of significant development have diminished.

Meanwhile, another weather system, Tropical Storm Fay, is being closely monitored as it tracks through the Atlantic. Fay's current trajectory places Louisiana on alert, with the potential for heavy rainfall and strong winds impacting the state in the coming days. While concerns remain for Louisiana, residents remain vigilant and are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts. The interaction between these weather systems could play a crucial role in determining future impacts on the Gulf Coast and surrounding regions.

7 Day Tropical Weather Outlook
7 Day Tropical Weather Outlook
2 Day Tropical Weather Outlook
2 Day Tropical Weather Outlook
GOES 19
Sandwich Composite
Sandwich Composite
Today's Tornado Risk
Today's Tornado Risk
8-14 Day Temperature Outlook
8-14 Day Temperature Outlook
8-14 Day Precipitation Outlook
8-14 Day Precipitation Outlook
Global Tropics Hazard Outlook
Global Tropics Hazard Outlook
30 Day Coral Reef Watch
Current Atlantic and Gulf Radar
Current Atlantic and Gulf Winds

Atlantic Hurricane Basin Summary

Tropical Depression Fay is currently located at 24.2N 47.3W, moving southwest at 10 knots. The depression has a central pressure of 1010 mb and maximum sustained winds of 30 knots, with gusts up to 40 knots. Fay is expected to maintain its strength and become a post-tropical cyclone by Wednesday.

A tropical wave in the western Caribbean is positioned along 77W, south of 18N, and is heading west at 10 knots, bringing moderate to strong convection in the region.

The Gulf of America is experiencing moderate convection in the southeast, supported by surface troughs. High pressure across the Gulf is causing gentle to moderate southeast winds, with winds expected to increase by Wednesday evening.

In the Caribbean Sea, moderate trades and fresh winds prevail, with seas ranging from 2 to 5 feet. Winds are expected to continue pulsing and may weaken by the weekend.

The Atlantic Ocean is seeing showers and thunderstorms due to deep layer troughing and a surface trough. A high near Bermuda supports moderate winds, while remnants of Gonzalo and a cold front affect the area. Easterly winds south of 25N will remain moderate to fresh through Friday.

September 29, 2026, at 2:15 PM EDT

2026 Hurricane Prediction

​NOAA's 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook

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:

  • 55% chance of a below-normal season
  • 35% chance of a near-normal season
  • 10% chance of an above-normal season

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 30

2026 Storm Names

Arthur- TS Bertha- TS Cristobal- TS Dolly- TS Edouard- TS Fay- TS Gonzalo- TS Hanna- TS Isaias Josephine Kyle Leah Marco Nana Omar Paulett Rene Sally Teddy Vicky Wilfred

Key: Active Past Future

*Press/click the storm name to view additional details

2025 Hurricane Summary

  • 13 named storms
  • 5 hurricanes
  • 4 major hurricanes (Cat. 3+)
  • Total damage: ~$9.4 billion
Notable Hurricanes
  • Hurricane Erin: In August, Erin rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane over the Atlantic, becoming one of the strongest storms of the season. Although it remained offshore of the United States, it generated dangerous surf, coastal flooding, and massive waves along portions of the East Coast.
  • Hurricane Gabrielle: Gabrielle strengthened into a powerful Category 4 hurricane in September over the central Atlantic before transitioning into an extratropical system near Europe, bringing impacts to the Azores and parts of Spain.
  • Hurricane Humberto: Humberto became another Category 5 hurricane during the season but stayed over open Atlantic waters, contributing significantly to the season’s above-normal ACE despite limited land impacts
  • Hurricane Melissa: Melissa was the strongest storm of the 2025 Atlantic season, intensifying into a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane before making landfall in Jamaica near peak intensity. The storm caused widespread destruction across Jamaica and was later retired from the Atlantic naming list due to its severity.

Despite 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.

Atlantic Hurricane Statistics

Named
Hurricanes
Major
Average
14.4
7.2
3.2
High
30
15
7
Low
4
2
0

Most Active Hurricane Season

2020 - 30 named storms, 14 hurricanes

Costliest Hurricanes

Hurricane Katrina (2005) - $125 billion

Harvey (2017) - $125 billion

Strongest Hurricanes (Based on Wind Speed)

Hurricane Patricia (2015) - 215 mph (345 km/h)

Hurricane Allen (1980) - 190 mph (305 km/h)

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale in MPH

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.

About Watching the Tropics

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

Dillaman Research DillaDev.com

What does Watching the Tropics mean?

"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.

What is an "invest" in the context of hurricanes?

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.

What is a Tropical Depression?

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:

  • Organized system of clouds and thunderstorms
  • Has a defined surface circulation
  • Lacks the wind intensity of stronger tropical cyclones
  • May eventually strengthen into a tropical storm if conditions are favorable

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.

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