Watching the Tropics

Watching the Tropics is updated at 2AM, 5AM, 8AM, 11AM, 2PM, 5PM, 8PM, and 11PM daily
9/28/2026 5:04:23 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:
9/28/2026 5:00:00 PM
Location:
36.5, -48.7
Winds:
45 mph
Movement:
ESE at 17 mph
Pressure:
1006 mb

Tropical Storm Hanna is currently positioned in the central subtropical Atlantic, about 960 miles east-northeast of Bermuda and 1195 miles west of the Azores. The storm is moving east-southeast at 17 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. Hanna is expected to be a short-lived tropical storm, with forecasts indicating a slight increase in intensity before transitioning to a post-tropical cyclone later in the week. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect, and no land is threatened by the storm's current path.

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

The Atlantic has seen the formation of a new tropical storm named Hanna. Currently situated in the mid-Atlantic, this storm has emerged in a season marked by fluctuating weather patterns, with meteorologists closely monitoring its trajectory. Tropical Storm Hanna poses significant interest as forecasts predict its movement towards the eastern seaboard. As it progresses, Hanna is expected to intensify slightly, bearing the potential to impact coastal areas with heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Fay has shown signs of weakening, with reduced wind speeds and diminishing intensity. The National Hurricane Center has noted that Fay is becoming less organized, leading to a decrease in potential threats to populated regions. As Hanna gains strength, efforts have ramped up in tracking and predicting its path to ensure timely advisories and safety measures along projected impact zones. Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain attentive to weather updates and heed any warnings issued by local authorities.

Tropical Depression Fay Tropical Depression Fay

Advisory:
9/28/2026 5:00:00 PM
Location:
26.6, -45.3
Winds:
35 mph
Movement:
SW at 9 mph
Pressure:
1011 mb

Tropical Depression Fay is currently holding steady as it moves southwest at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. Located at 26.6N latitude and 45.3W longitude, it is approximately 1325 miles west-southwest of the Azores. The depression is expected to continue its southwest to west-southwest trajectory with an increase in speed over the next few days. There are no watches or warnings in effect, and little change in strength is forecast before Fay transitions into a post-tropical cyclone in about 36 hours.

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

Tropical Depression Fay Status

Tropical Depression Fay has formed in the Atlantic, generating substantial interest among meteorologists and residents in its potential path. Fay, currently situated near Bermuda, is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to the island and its surroundings. While the system's trajectory remains under close observation, it is anticipated to move northeastward, thereby minimizing the potential impact on the East Coast of the United States. Local authorities in Bermuda are taking precautionary measures, urging residents to stay informed and prepare for possible adverse weather conditions.

In addition to Fay, another tropical disturbance is gaining attention as it develops off the coast of Africa. This system, being monitored by the National Hurricane Center, has been designated as Invest 91L. As it moves westward across the Atlantic, it bears the potential to strengthen into a tropical storm. The upcoming days will be critical in determining whether Invest 91L will pose a threat to Caribbean islands or even the southeastern United States, prompting meteorologists to closely track its progress.

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

Despite earlier predictions indicating the likelihood of Invest 91L developing into a tropical depression or storm, recent assessments suggest its chances of formation have decreased. Meteorologists have noted that Invest 91L has weakened, which has reduced the system's storm development potential. Currently, the atmospheric conditions appear less favorable for strengthening, shifting the focus to other potential developments in the tropics. However, experts maintain that conditions can change rapidly during the hurricane season, warranting continued monitoring.

Meanwhile, remnants of the tropical depression Fay persist in the open Atlantic, exhibiting minimal impact on coastal areas. The Atlantic basin's weather patterns remain under close scrutiny as meteorologists enhance their analysis of new systems that may emerge in the forthcoming weeks. Although one system seems likely to form into a structured weather pattern this week, its trajectory and influence remain uncertain. Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to stay informed and prepared as the hurricane season unfolds.

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

September 28, 2026, at 2:15 PM EDT

Tropical Depression Fay is located near 27.1N 44.6W and moving SSW with a speed of 8 kt. Maximum sustained winds are 30 kt and it is expected to become a post-tropical cyclone by Tuesday. Keep up with the detailed forecasts at the National Hurricane Center's website.

In the Caribbean, a tropical wave is moving west at 10 kt along 72.5W. No significant convection is associated with this wave. The monsoon trough and ITCZ are causing scattered moderate convection across parts of the Atlantic.

The Gulf of America is experiencing numerous convective activities due to low-level moisture and southeasterly flow, with light winds prevailing throughout the basin. Expect increasing winds and seas as the week progresses due to shifting pressure patterns.

In the Caribbean Sea, scattered moderate convection is observed west of 75W, with a weak pressure gradient causing gentle to moderate trades. Higher pressure north of the region will increase winds and seas by midweek.

For the Atlantic Ocean, a frontal trough is causing numerous showers and thunderstorms across the NW waters. Moderate winds and seas dominate elsewhere, with the Atlantic pattern showing gentle to moderate winds across the basin.

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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