Invest 93L
A coastal storm that began as Invest 93L is growing in strength and posing significant threats to regions along the Northern Gulf Coast. Initially characterized as a strong nor'easter, experts are now considering whether it could transition into something more tropical. As it continues to develop, this storm is moving along the coast, increasing the likelihood of intense rainfall and potential flooding in vulnerable areas. Residents along the coast are urged to stay informed and prepare for possible adverse weather conditions as meteorologists closely monitor its progression.
There is an active debate among meteorologists about whether a nor'easter like this can eventually evolve into a hurricane, and while not unprecedented, it is a relatively rare occurrence. As the storm intensifies, it has raised questions about its potential to cross the critical threshold, which might classify it as a tropical system. Experts emphasize the importance of following updates closely, as the situation can change rapidly with any significant shifts in the storm's pattern. Communities in the storm's path are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property.
The monsoon trough begins in the Atlantic near Senegal, extending south and west with various convection areas. The ITCZ extends from 07N27W to 10N62W, with scattered moderate to isolated strong convection observed east of 25W.
Over the Gulf of America, scattered showers and thunderstorms persist, especially over the southwest Gulf and off the Yucatan Peninsula. Strong northwest winds are expected offshore Veracruz, with rough seas anticipated through Wednesday. High pressure over the eastern U.S. will sustain strong winds over the Gulf into the weekend.
In the Caribbean Sea, an upper-level trough and the East Pacific monsoon trough are contributing to strong convection in the southwest Caribbean. Outside these conditions, gentle to moderate winds with slight seas are prevalent, except for moderate to fresh trades off Colombia and Venezuela. Conditions are expected to stabilize mid-week with strengthening winds projected by late week due to high pressure building.
Across the Atlantic Ocean, a cold front southwest of Bermuda is associated with scattered showers and strong winds near Florida. Near Bermuda, rough seas are notable. Farther east, a pattern near 25N54W is producing a wide area of convection and varying wind conditions. Winds from the cold front will decrease as the front dissipates, but gale-force NE winds are anticipated over open waters 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.
