Image Source: Naples Daily News

wfla weather watchers are monitoring two Atlantic disturbances that could develop into tropical systems this week, although forecasters say there is no hurricane currently approaching Florida.

The National Hurricane Center said Invest 95L, a broad area of low pressure located several hundred miles east-southeast of Bermuda, could briefly strengthen into a tropical depression or tropical storm. If it receives a name, the next storm on the 2026 Atlantic list would be Tropical Storm Dolly.

Urgent wfla Update: Could Invest 95L Become Dolly?

As of the National Hurricane Center’s 2 p.m. advisory on Aug. 24, Invest 95L had a 50% chance of developing within 48 hours and the same 50% chance over seven days. Satellite and wind data showed that the system’s low-level circulation remained broad and disorganized.

Environmental conditions were described as only marginally favorable for additional development. The system was expected to move northward or north-northeastward, well northeast of Bermuda, through Tuesday.

Forecasters said Invest 95L could become a short-lived tropical depression or storm before moving over colder waters Wednesday. Those colder waters are expected to end its chances of strengthening.

What Happens If Dolly Forms?

Dolly would be the fourth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. The season has already produced Tropical Storm Arthur on June 17, Tropical Storm Bertha on July 20 and Tropical Storm Cristobal on Aug. 12.

Even if Invest 95L becomes Dolly, its projected path suggests the system would remain far from Florida. Officials emphasized that development alone does not mean a storm will threaten land. Residents should focus on official forecasts rather than early model images or social media speculation.

Powerful Second Wave Could Develop Later This Week

A separate tropical wave and area of low pressure was positioned a few hundred miles southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands. The disturbance was producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms while moving westward to west-northwestward across the eastern and central Atlantic.

The National Hurricane Center gave this system a 30% chance of formation within 48 hours and a 60% chance within seven days. Conditions are expected to become more favorable during the middle to latter part of the week, potentially allowing a tropical depression to form.

Unlike Invest 95L, this wave is moving generally westward, meaning forecasters will continue watching its progress across the Atlantic. It is still too early to determine whether it could eventually affect Florida or the United States.

Four More Tropical Waves Under Watch

In addition to the two primary disturbances, forecasters were tracking four tropical waves across the Atlantic basin and Caribbean. These included systems in the far eastern Atlantic, central Atlantic, tropical North Atlantic offshore waters and central Caribbean.

A far eastern Atlantic wave had emerged near the west coast of Africa.
A central Atlantic wave was located near 41.5 degrees west longitude.
A tropical North Atlantic wave was positioned near 59 degrees west longitude.
A central Caribbean wave stretched from the Dominican Republic toward northwest Venezuela.

Tropical waves are clusters of showers and thunderstorms that can serve as starting points for tropical storms. AccuWeather hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said roughly 60 tropical waves cross the Atlantic each year, but only about 10% to 15% develop into tropical systems.

Critical Florida Hurricane Season Facts

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Activity typically reaches its highest levels between mid-August and mid-October, with the statistical peak arriving around Sept. 10.

That seasonal timing means Florida residents should remain prepared even when no immediate threat exists. A basic plan should include reviewing evacuation zones, checking emergency supplies, securing outdoor objects and monitoring trusted weather alerts.

For now, the answer to the biggest question is clear: there is no hurricane coming toward Florida based on the latest advisory. However, conditions can change quickly, especially as the African tropical wave moves westward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tropical Storm Dolly currently threatening Florida?

No. Invest 95L was expected to move north or northeast, well away from Florida. It had not yet officially become Tropical Storm Dolly in the latest advisory.

What is Invest 95L?

An invest is an area the National Hurricane Center is studying for possible tropical development. It is not automatically a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane.

Could the tropical wave near Africa affect Florida?

It is too early to know. The wave had a 60% chance of developing within seven days, but its eventual track and strength remained uncertain.

When is the busiest part of hurricane season?

The Atlantic season is generally busiest from mid-August through mid-October, with the climatological peak occurring around Sept. 10.