Invest 98L: A Tropical Wave in the Atlantic Heading Towards the Caribbean
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has designated a tropical wave in the Atlantic as Invest 98L, as it slowly moves towards the Caribbean. This designation indicates that the NHC is investigating the system for possible development into a tropical depression or tropical storm within the next seven days.
Understanding Invest 98L
According to the FOX Forecast Center, Invest 98L is located roughly 800 miles east of the Windward Islands and is moving west at 20 mph. The NHC has tagged the system with a medium potential for development over the next 7 days. The main driver of the unusual movement is a large area of high pressure centered over the eastern Atlantic basin.
Invest 98L stats show that the system is unusually far south and east for this time of the year, although system movements similar to that of 98L occasionally occur. Regardless of development, the system should arrive near the Windward Islands by Monday and is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds.
Potential Impact and Forecast
FOX Weather Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross notes that the odds of the system affecting the mainland U.S. are very low. However, residents in Puerto Rico and the surrounding islands should plan to pay attention next week, and there’s a potential impact in Central America as well. The Caribbean waters are extremely warm, which could fuel the storm’s development if it were to occur.
Additionally, the NHC is watching an area to watch for development in the North Atlantic, which is a non-tropical area of low pressure several hundred miles off the Northeast coast. This system is expected to head out to sea and has a low chance of development.
Understanding Tropical Storms and Hurricanes
If either area to watch progresses into a tropical storm or hurricane, it’ll be named Melissa, the 13th named storm of the Atlantic season. The official end of the Atlantic Hurricane season is Nov. 30. It’s essential to understand the difference between a tropical depression, tropical storm, and hurricane to stay informed and prepared for any potential storms.
For the latest updates and forecasts, visit Here for more information on Invest 98L and the Atlantic tropics.
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