Story perspectives

Invest 92L Has 80% Chance of Becoming Depression

8/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Tropical Storm Cristobal formed on August 12, 2026, as a named storm, located 880 mi west of the Azores and expected to dissipate by August 13, with no coastal watches.
Invest 92L, 900 mi of the Cabo Verde Islands, had an 80 % chance of becoming a tropical depression in 48 hours.
NOAA’s August 6 outlook projected a below-normal season of 7-13 named storms, 2-6 hurricanes and up to 2 major hurricanes, noting El Niño wind shear that should limit development.

History

Historical Context

The 1997 Atlantic hurricane season, suppressed by a strong El Niño that raised Atlantic wind shear by about 2.5 m s?¹, recorded no storms in August—the first quiet month since 1961. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center notes the same El Niño pattern returning in August 2026, giving Invest 92L an 80 % development chance and prompting the NHC and local authorities to prepare.

1 of 2

Story summary

Tropical Storm Cristobal formed on August 12, 2026, as a named storm, located 880 mi west of the Azores and expected to dissipate by August 13, with no coastal watches.
Invest 92L, 900 mi of the Cabo Verde Islands, had an 80 % chance of becoming a tropical depression in 48 hours.
NOAA’s August 6 outlook projected a below-normal season of 7-13 named storms, 2-6 hurricanes and up to 2 major hurricanes, noting El Niño wind shear that should limit development.

1 / 2