Keeping an eye on the Atlantic for potential tropical development of 2 systems into next week
This bevy of activity follows what has been a quiet start to the 2026 hurricane season, particularly across the Atlantic's Main Development Region (MDR) — the area between Africa and the Caribbean where many hurricanes begin to form.
Keeping an eye on two tropical systems in the Atlantic for potential development
Tropical Storm Cristobal is long gone, but there are two separate tropical systems in the Atlantic worth watching over the next week. Invest 94L has medium chances of development and Invest 92L has low chances of development. The next to develop into a tropical storm will gain the name Dolly.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Tropical Storm Cristobal is long gone after dissipating Thursday.
- Invest 92L has low chances of developing.
- Invest 94L has a medium chance of development, with the potential to develop into a Tropical Depression by next week.
After rapid formation and subsequent dissipating in about 24 hours, Tropical Storm Cristobal is long gone as eyes turn to two other tropical systems in the Atlantic.
Meanwhile, Invest 92L is inching up towards the Caribbean and no longer shows some signs of organization, with low odds that it will develop further.
WHAT IS AN INVEST DURING HURRICANE SEASON?
However, Invest 94L, which is hot on the heels of Invest 92L, could develop into the week ahead.
(FOX Weather)
The term "invest" is used every hurricane season in the Atlantic and the Eastern and Central Pacific basins, accompanied by a number from 90 to 99 and either the suffix "L," "E" or "C," respectively.
This bevy of activity follows what has been a quiet start to the 2026 hurricane season, particularly across the Atlantic's Main Development Region (MDR) — the area between Africa and the Caribbean where many hurricanes begin to form.
LATEST FROM FOX WEATHER HURRICANE SPECIALIST BRYAN NORCROSS
(FOX Weather)
Invest 92L is about 350 miles east of the Lesser Antilles on Friday, producing an area of gusty winds, showers and thunderstorms.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TROPICAL DEPRESSION, TROPICAL STORM AND A HURRICANE?
Despite previously having high odds of developing into a Tropical Depression or Tropical Storm Dolly, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said it's unlikely now as development odds continue to decrease.
The NHC said this system is likely to bring gusty winds and showers to the Lesser Antilles on Friday and Saturday.
INVEST 93C CHURNS IN THE PACIFIC AS STORM COULD BECOME A TROPICAL DEPRESSION BY WEDNESDAY
(FOX Weather)
The system trailing Invest 92L is a wildcard that has captured the attention of the NHC and has been designated Invest 94L.
Right now, it has a medium potential for development over the next seven days.
(FOX Weather)
The FOX Forecast Center said Invest 92L could act as a lead blocker. By taking the brunt of the hostile wind shear and Saharan dust, it could essentially clear a cleaner, more favorable path for the trailing wave to develop.
Windy day at the beach.
(BlueFolio / Getty Images)
If this were to happen, there could be a shift in the development percentages for Invest 92L, but things are still very uncertain.
If it finds a bubble of atmosphere conducive for development, a stronger system is more likely to turn north into the open Atlantic before it reaches the islands.
The NHC said the system could encounter some hostile winds next week, decreasing its odds of development.