Meteorologists are closely monitoring two developing low-pressure systems in the Atlantic Ocean as the 2026 hurricane season begins. The National Hurricane Center reports a medium chance of development for both areas, though neither poses an immediate threat to the United States. Invest 95L shows signs of organization and has a 50 percent chance of becoming a tropical depression within two days. A second system originating from west Africa has only a 20 percent chance of developing but could strengthen later in the week. Both systems are expected to move away from U.S. waters, with models predicting tracks north of the islands. Recent seasonal forecasts have been lowered by major weather agencies due to El Nino conditions that typically disrupt tropical storm formation.
Key Points:
- Invest 95L has a 50 percent chance of developing into a tropical depression over the next two days
- A second low-pressure system from west Africa has a 20 percent chance of development and 60 percent chance over the next week
- AccuWeather forecasted eight to 11 named storms, three to four hurricanes, and one to two major hurricanes for 2026
- NOAA reduced its seasonal forecast to seven to 13 named storms with zero to two major hurricanes expected
- El Nino conditions are increasing vertical wind shear in the Atlantic, making storm organization more difficult
