Invest 96L Likely to Become Tropical Depression in Atlantic

A tropical disturbance in the eastern Atlantic Ocean has a 60 percent chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next two days, the National Hurricane Center announced on August 26, 2026. The low-pressure system, designated Invest 96L, is located a few hundred miles south-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands and is tracking west-northwestward at approximately 20 mph. Forecasters note that most thunderstorm activity remains displaced to the southwest of the system's center.

While environmental conditions remain somewhat favorable over the next 48 hours, adverse conditions including dry air and wind shear are expected to limit further development by the weekend. If the system strengthens past a depression, it will become Tropical Storm Dolly, the fourth named storm of the 2026 Atlantic season.

Meteorologists noted that the system's name bears no relation to country music singer Dolly Parton, who died on August 25. The World Meteorological Organization selects Atlantic storm names on a six-year rotational cycle, with Dolly having replaced the name Diana after it was retired in 1990 following a lethal hurricane in Mexico.

Forecasters are also monitoring two additional tropical waves in the central Atlantic and Caribbean Sea moving westward between 11 and 23 mph. Meanwhile, another Atlantic disturbance, Invest 95L, has failed to organize and is being absorbed into a larger northern weather system. Colorado State University predicted a 70 percent probability of below-normal Atlantic hurricane activity through early September, despite mid-August through mid-October marking the historic peak of the season. At present, Invest 96L poses no immediate threat to land.