Odds of Invest 91L development continue to increase in the Gulf, with heavy downpours expected in Southeast

Jul 19, 2026 - 08:40
 0  1
Odds of Invest 91L development continue to increase in the Gulf, with heavy downpours expected in Southeast

Development odds for Invest 91L are increasing in the Gulf of America right off the coast of Florida.

The invest has an 80% chance of development over the next two days, as well as an 80% chance of developing over the next week, as it moves slowly to the north and north-west, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). 

Invest 91L was designated on Saturday by the NHC.

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. It is used to identify areas they are investigating for possible development into a tropical depression or tropical storm within the next seven days.

WHAT IS AN INVEST DURING HURRICANE SEASON?

Rain from this system is already falling in Florida, with showers reported in Tampa and along Florida's northwestern coast.

Those along Florida's panhandle and along the western coast as well as in coastal Alabama should pay attention to the progress of this system, the NHC said.

The FOX Forecast Center said we will need to watch how far north the invest tracks. If it moves into the Florida panhandle, it will weaken, and the story will be over early. If it stays over water, then the development prospects become more interesting. 

Sunday will be the main day to look out for.

HURRICANE SEASON 2026: THESE ARE THE STORM NAMES YOU'LL SEE THIS SEASON

On Friday, the NHC finally placed an "X" on the map, which means there is officially an area of low pressure to track. Not only is there an area of low pressure, but it formed farther away from the coast than originally anticipated, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

Most impacts will come in the form of rain. Wind impacts are not expected unless a tropical depression or tropical storm forms.

Hurricane hunters will begin scheduled flights into Invest 91L starting Sunday. The first flight is set to take off around 1 p.m. ET.

If the system develops into a tropical storm, it'll be given the name Bertha.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

This story is developing. Check back frequently for updates. 

What's Your Reaction?

Like Like 0
Dislike Dislike 0
Love Love 0
Funny Funny 0
Angry Angry 0
Sad Sad 0
Wow Wow 0