Tropical Storm Fay
Tropical Storm Fay is currently moving westward over the central Atlantic, located about 1020 miles west-southwest of the Azores. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and is moving at 6 mph. There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
The storm is expected to continue its westward movement with a slight decrease in speed over the coming days. Some strengthening is possible overnight, but weakening is anticipated by Friday afternoon. Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 80 miles from the center.
No hazards affecting land are currently reported.
Tropical Storm Fay has regained strength amidst the ongoing influence of a formidable Super El Niño in the Atlantic. Meteorologists are closely monitoring this system as it potentially impacts weather patterns across the region. The reemerging storm has prompted renewed warnings for areas prone to heavy rainfall and strong winds, causing concern for communities along its projected path. The dynamics of this year's hurricane season are significantly shaped by the prevalent climate phenomena, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and prepared for sudden changes.
In the Florida region, particularly around Miami and Fort Lauderdale, residents are advised to be vigilant as Fay approaches. The forecast suggests that the storm may bring substantial rainfall, contributing to localized flooding in already susceptible areas. Authorities are urging individuals to secure their properties and heed any advisories or evacuation notices issued by local agencies. With the compounded effects of Super El Niño, it is crucial for the affected communities to remain attentive to updates from meteorological experts.
Invest 90L
Invest 90L, a tropical wave in the Atlantic region, has garnered attention due to its potential to develop into a named storm. Meteorologists have begun closely monitoring the system's movement and behavior, noting favorable conditions that could support its intensification. Factors such as warm ocean temperatures and low wind shear enhance its chances of forming into a tropical cyclone. While the exact path remains uncertain, models suggest the system could impact coastal areas, prompting residents to stay informed about potential developments.
In another development, Invest 90L has been observed moving toward the Gulf of Mexico, bringing an increased probability of further strengthening. Experts warn that if it continues on this projected path, it could pose a risk to regions along the Texas coastline. Local authorities are prepared to issue necessary advisories to ensure public safety. As the situation unfolds, the significance of remaining vigilant and prepared for possible changes in weather conditions cannot be overstated.
Tropical Storm Fay is currently located at 29.8N 41.2W, about 860 nautical miles west-southwest of the Azores, moving west at 5 knots. It has a central pressure of 1005 mb, with maximum sustained winds of 45 knots and gusts up to 55 knots. Peak seas reach 12 feet, and scattered strong convection is noted in various quadrants. Some additional strengthening is possible, but a weakening trend is expected starting Friday. A westward motion with reduced forward speed is anticipated over the next few days.
A low-pressure area in the Far Eastern Tropical Atlantic, south-southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands, is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. It could develop into a tropical depression or storm later today or on Friday. However, development might be limited over the weekend due to increased upper-level winds. The system has a high chance of formation in the next 48 hours, with possible heavy rain and flash flooding in the Cabo Verde Islands and parts of western Africa.
A mid to upper-level trough extends from the eastern Gulf of America to the NW Caribbean, with conditions fostering heavy rainfall across Central America and the western Caribbean until September 26. Regions including southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama may see life-threatening flash flooding and landslides.
In the Atlantic Ocean, a deep-layered trough supports showers and thunderstorms from the NW Caribbean to the Bahamas. A frontal boundary extends from south Florida to NE Texas with moderate to locally fresh winds behind it. This front is expected to move east, reaching Bermuda to the Straits of Florida, losing strength along the way.
September 24, 2026, at 2:15 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.
