Hurricane center eyes depression that could become Tropical Storm Fay
A newly formed tropical depression in the Atlantic could intensify into Tropical Storm Fay later this weekend, becoming the sixth named storm of the 2026 season. It is currently meandering about 525 miles southwest of the Azores with winds near 35 mph and a slow northward drift, and it is forecast to strengthen slightly to around 45 mph before weakening and dissipating in a few days. The system is not expected to threaten land, and forecasters expect it to move northeast and then veer away from the Azores. The season has been unusually slow, with El Niño suppressing storm formation, contributing to a lull that Fay would break if it strengthens.
Dive Deeper:
Tropical Depression Six formed on Sept. 19 and could become the next named storm, Fay, within the same weekend.
As of 11 a.m. ET, it was about 525 miles southwest of the Azores, with maximum sustained winds around 35 mph and a northward motion of roughly 2 mph.
Forecasters expect conditions to allow slight strengthening, potentially reaching up to 45 mph before weakening over the following 36 hours and dissipating in a few days.
There is no anticipated direct land impact from this system according to AccuWeather.
If it strengthens, Fay would mark the sixth named storm of the Atlantic season, which has been unusually slow due to El Niño effects on storm formation.