Tropical Depression Nine
Tropical Depression Nine has formed over the Gulf of America and is forecasted to strengthen quickly. As of 4:00 PM CDT, it was located at 22.1N 95.6W, about 380 miles west of Progreso, Mexico, and 630 miles southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River. It is moving east at 5 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1007 mb. The system is expected to pass north of the Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday and approach the U.S. northern Gulf Coast by Friday.
Steady strengthening is anticipated, with the depression likely becoming a tropical storm by early Wednesday and a hurricane by Thursday. It is expected to produce 2-4 inches of rain through Thursday across parts of the Bay of Campeche, with heavier rainfall forecasted along the U.S. Gulf Coast from Friday through the weekend, which could result in flooding. Gusty winds and life-threatening surf are also expected to affect the Yucatan Peninsula on Thursday.
A new tropical depression has formed in the southern Gulf of Mexico, marking another potential threat to regions already on high alert for severe weather during the hurricane season. Meteorological forecasts indicate that the system could rapidly intensify into Tropical Storm Isaias, bringing with it the potential for heavy rains and strong winds. This development has prompted weather advisory services to issue warnings and prepare residents in coastal areas of Louisiana, Florida, and Texas for possible impacts. Local authorities are urging people to monitor weather updates closely and prepare for necessary safety measures as the situation unfolds.
Residents along the Gulf Coast are no strangers to tropical weather, but the potential formation of Tropical Storm Isaias adds anxiety given the active season experienced so far. The storm is expected to bring significant rainfall, which could result in flooding in low-lying areas, particularly in regions still recovering from previous storms. With alerts in place for Friday and Saturday, emergency services are emphasizing the importance of readiness as uncertainties about the storm's path and strength remain. The evolving situation underscores the vital role of preparedness and community cooperation during such weather events.
Invest 92L
An area of disturbed weather, identified as Invest 92L, has formed in the southern Gulf of Mexico and is drawing increased attention due to its potential for development. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the system as it holds the potential to intensify into a tropical depression or potentially even a hurricane over the coming days. The atmospheric conditions in the region, with warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear, are conducive to strengthening, though there remains significant uncertainty in the projected path and intensity of the system. Coastal communities along the Gulf Coast are advised to stay informed and prepare for possible impacts as forecasts develop further.
The weather system, currently perceived as Invest 92L, has become the subject of heightened focus due to its unpredictable trajectory, making it difficult to accurately forecast its eventual impact. The disturbance is expected to move northward, potentially affecting parts of Louisiana and surrounding areas, with officials urging residents to remain vigilant. If the system continues to organize and gain strength, it could be named Hurricane Isaias, though the timeline for this development remains uncertain. Local authorities are poised to issue advisories as further data becomes available, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and caution for those potentially in its path.
Showers and thunderstorms are organizing around a low pressure area in the southwestern Gulf of America, likely leading to tropical depression formation. This system, near 22N96W, is expected to move eastward with potential impacts like gusty winds and heavy rain on the western Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. It may then turn north/northeast toward the northern Gulf Coast by week's end. Regardless of development, expect strong winds and rough seas in the Gulf Wednesday through Saturday night.
A tropical wave over the eastern Caribbean is moving westward near 64.5W, producing scattered storms and strong winds in the region. Another wave is emerging off Africa's west coast near 18W, bringing scattered convection.
In the Gulf of America, alongside the tropical low, a 1008 mb low near 29.5N86.5W and stationary front create fresh to strong winds north of the features. Forecasts suggest more strong winds near Mexico, while a tropical depression might form soon with significant effects in the Gulf area.
In the Caribbean, a tropical wave is causing strong winds and thunderstorms in the eastern basin. Elsewhere, moderate trade winds and 5-7 ft seas are noted, with changes expected later in the week as high pressure dynamics shift.
In the Atlantic, low pressure near Florida and a stationary front are causing moderate to strong winds north of this line. A central Atlantic surface trough brings varied winds and 3 to 5 ft seas. A weather front is expected to alter conditions, with changes expected over the weekend including increased trades and strong winds off NE Florida as disturbances move.
October 6, 2026, at 12:15 PM EDTThe 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.
