Tropical Depression Fay
Tropical Depression Fay is barely a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 km/h) and is currently located at 28.9N 44.0W, about 1160 miles west-southwest of the Azores. It is moving south at 5 mph (7 km/h) and is expected to shift to a southwest direction with an increase in speed by mid-week. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect as Fay is likely to become a remnant low in a day or two and dissipate later in the week. The minimum central pressure is 1011 mb (29.86 inches).
Tropical Storm Fay, which recently affected the Bermuda region, has now been downgraded to a tropical depression as it moves further into the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its weakening, weather experts continue to monitor its progress due to potential shifts in its course. Concurrently, another system, Tropical Storm Gonzalo, has formed in the open Atlantic and is currently maintaining its strength. Both storm systems are being closely observed by meteorologists, who are analyzing data to forecast potential impacts or changes in trajectory.
While Fay's intensity has diminished, Gonzalo presents a continued interest in the Atlantic, with forecasters highlighting the importance of preparing for any unexpected developments these systems might bring. Tropical Storm Gonzalo is currently moving steadily, yet its future path remains uncertain, prompting continuous updates from weather agencies. The development of these Atlantic storms underscores the volatility often witnessed during this season and reflects broader climatic patterns that are being scrutinized by climate scientists. Residents in potentially affected areas are advised to stay informed through official weather updates as the situations evolve.
Invest 91L
Invest 91L, a weather system being monitored near Florida, has been the subject of particular interest due to its potential to develop into a tropical storm. Forecasters have been utilizing various predictive tools, including spaghetti models, to track the system's trajectory and intensity. These models suggest a range of possible paths and intensities, but as of now, the system has shown signs of weakening, which may reduce its chances of further development. The uncertainty surrounding Invest 91L has kept meteorologists vigilant, balancing current conditions with predictive analytics to assess future threats.
Recently, Invest 91L has experienced a decrease in its developmental prospects, leading to lower expectations of it becoming a more significant weather event. The designation "Invest" is used for weather disturbances that require close monitoring for potential cyclonic development, though it is not yet classified as a tropical system. Despite the reduced likelihood of development, residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed as conditions can evolve. The situation highlights the complexities in forecasting tropical weather systems and the importance of monitoring changes in atmospheric conditions.
September 27, 2026, at 2:15 PM EDT
Tropical Depression Fay is moving slowly SSE with a central pressure of 1010 mb and maximum winds of 30 kt, located near 29.3N 43.8W. Notable convection is present from 27N to 29N between 43W and 46W. Further details can be found in the National Hurricane Center's High Seas Forecast and advisories on hurricanes.gov.
A tropical wave along 69W is moving west with no significant convection currently observed. Another system over the Western Caribbean has moved into Central America, transitioning towards the Eastern Pacific.
The monsoon trough and ITCZ extend from 15N25W to 10.5N60W with scattered moderate convection, particularly enhanced by an upper-level trough interacting with the ITCZ.
The Gulf of America sees a surface trough from the Yucatan Channel extending to Tampico, Mexico, with scattered moderate convection, and another trough in the Bay of Campeche. Light to gentle winds currently prevail but will increase as high pressure builds starting mid-week.
In the Caribbean, gentle to moderate winds are observed, and slight seas prevalent in the NW Caribbean. The forecast anticipates strengthening winds and rough seas, especially in the Yucatan Channel, as high pressure builds.
The Atlantic Ocean features remnants of a cold front causing showers and thunderstorms from 31N65W to central Cuba, with a following cold front extending from 31N69W. Post-Tropical Cyclone Gonzalo's remnants are near 20.5N23.5W, expected to move away from the Cabo Verde Islands while weakening.
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.
