Development odds increase for Invest 98L as system approaches Caribbean
MIAMI – The development odds for Invest 98L swirling across the Atlantic have increased as the system inches closer to the Caribbean, where it could become our next tropical depression.
The term “invest” is used by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to identify weather disturbances it is investigating for possible development into a tropical depression or tropical storm within the next seven days. Additionally, the designation allows the NHC to run special hurricane computer forecast models on the system.
The NHC said Invest 98L is currently located near the Windward Islands and is continuing to produce a large and persistent area of showers and thunderstorms.
Although the system is producing winds of 30-35 mph, it still lacks a closed circulation that would warrant the designation of a tropical depression.
Forecasters said environmental conditions are expected to limit tropical development over the next day or two, but Invest 98L is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to the Windward and Leeward islands through Monday morning.
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By the middle to end of this week, conditions appear favorable for further development, and a tropical depression could develop while the system slows down over the central Caribbean Sea.
If Invest 98L becomes a tropical storm or hurricane, it would be named Melissa, the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
Original article source: Development odds increase for Invest 98L as system approaches Caribbean