Invest 96L
A new weather disturbance named Invest 96L has been identified in the Atlantic Ocean, raising concerns amidst an already active hurricane season. While Hurricane Beryl currently dominates meteorological focus, the potential development of Invest 96L is being closely monitored by the National Hurricane Center. The broader weather context is influenced by the strengthening El Niño conditions, which have the potential to impact storm formations and behavior in the Atlantic basin. Meteorologists are also paying attention to another possibly developing system, making these critical days for forecasting and preparation activities.
Hurricane Beryl continues to track across the Atlantic, while Tropical Storm Chris and Tropical Depression Debby contribute to a bustling start of the Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters have been using the latest models and data to track these systems and predict their potential trajectories and impact areas. The presence of Invest 96L adds another layer of complexity, with its development path and intensity still under analysis. As systems like these move and evolve, residents in potentially affected areas are advised to stay updated with the latest information and heed any guidance from authorities.
Invest 95L
As the Atlantic hurricane season progresses, meteorologists are closely monitoring several tropical disturbances that have formed near Bermuda. One system, named Invest 95L, has drawn significant attention due to its potential to strengthen into Tropical Storm Dolly. The system is currently located near Bermuda and has meteorologists examining its path to determine any possible impact on Florida and the southeastern United States. The development and movement of these systems are being closely watched, as the region remains vigilant given past experiences with tropical storms.
In addition to Invest 95L, other systems in the Atlantic are being monitored as atmospheric conditions, including the strengthening El Niño, influence their development. The activity has prompted discussions about the awakening of the Atlantic, with several systems showing potential for growth into named storms. As hurricane season reaches its peak, increased tropical activity emphasizes the need for preparedness along coastal areas. The situation remains fluid, and updates from meteorological departments are expected as these systems evolve.
August 24, 2026, at 2:15 PM EDT
Central Subtropical Atlantic (Invest-AL95) is showing signs of potential tropical cyclone formation with a medium chance of development in the next 48 hours. Located east-southeast of Bermuda, the system has fresh to strong winds mainly on the NE side. It could become a tropical depression or storm through Tuesday as it moves northward, but cooler waters are expected to halt its development by Wednesday.
A tropical wave near 18W has emerged off the west coast of Africa with disorganized showers and thunderstorms. There is potential for a tropical depression to form mid to late week as it moves westward across the Atlantic. Other tropical waves are moving across the Atlantic and Caribbean with varying levels of convection and associated weather conditions.
In the Gulf of America, weak high pressure is maintaining light to gentle winds, with localized fresher winds expected near the Yucatan Peninsula. The Caribbean Sea continues to experience fresh to strong trades, especially in the central area, leading to rough seas. Meanwhile, the Atlantic Ocean has areas of convection and wind patterns associated with various low-pressure systems and tropical waves, with some potential for tropical development.
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.
