Invest 96L
Tropical disturbance Invest 96L is currently being monitored in the Atlantic Ocean, indicating potential development into a more significant weather system. Forecasters note that while the disturbance has shown signs of organization, its future as a formidable storm remains uncertain. If conditions align, Invest 96L could strengthen and potentially become a named storm, with "Dolly" being the next on the list of designated storm names. Meteorologists are particularly focused on its trajectory, as it may head towards areas already sensitive to adverse weather conditions.
The National Hurricane Center has highlighted the presence of two tropical waves in the Atlantic, of which Invest 96L is the more prominent one at the moment. Analysts suggest that its development hinges on several meteorological factors, including sea surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions. While there's potential for Invest 96L to gain strength, experts urge caution, noting the inherent unpredictability of such systems. Residents in areas that might be affected are encouraged to stay informed as forecasts evolve over the coming days.
Invest 95L
The Atlantic hurricane season is intensifying with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) monitoring two significant tropical waves. Currently, Invest 96L is the primary focus as it shows potential for further development and could soon become a named tropical storm, potentially dubbed Tropical Storm Dolly. However, meteorologists indicate uncertainty regarding its longevity as it battles unfavorable atmospheric conditions that may hinder its progression through the coming week. Simultaneously, another tropical wave is garnering attention as it travels across the vast Atlantic Ocean, further testing the watchfulness of storm trackers.
As Invest 95L forms near Bermuda, attention turns towards its potential impact on coastal areas, particularly Florida. Tracking this system is crucial as its proximity to populated regions brings about considerations of preparedness amidst an active hurricane backdrop. Meanwhile, weather pundits continue to highlight the dynamic and swiftly changing nature of these systems, emphasizing the need for residents within these potentially affected areas to stay informed. With the hurricane season nearing its peak, efforts are concentrated on closely monitoring further developments in these tropical disturbances.
August 25, 2026, at 7:15 PM EDT
The Eastern Tropical Atlantic (Invest AL96) contains a 1008 mb low pressure near 12N23.5W, producing moderate to strong convection. Conditions favor gradual development into a tropical depression as it moves westward. However, development conditions might worsen by the weekend, with a high formation chance over 48 hours.
Several tropical waves exist: 1) An eastern Atlantic wave along 24W associated with Invest AL96. 2) An Atlantic wave near 54W, having no significant convection. 3) A Caribbean wave along 69W, also lacking convection. 4) A western Caribbean wave along 82W, showing moderate to strong convection.
The monsoon trough extends over the eastern Atlantic, with scattered convection observed in specific regions.
In the Gulf of America, scattered convection in the northern Gulf influences weather, while a weak high pressure condition supports moderate winds.
The Caribbean pressure gradient creates fresh to strong trades, with possible gale-force winds near the Gulf of Venezuela and off northern Colombia. Invest AL96 could increase winds and seas in the Tropical N Atlantic by the weekend.
In the Atlantic, moderate trades dominate west of 35W, while a middle Atlantic trough causes scattered convection. An approaching cold front affects areas east of 35W, with moderate to fresh winds.
The forecast predicts showers and thunderstorms in the Atlantic through Thursday, with moderate high pressure dominating most areas. Invest AL96 may escalate wind and seas by the weekend.
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.
