Invest 97L in Gulf among 2 tropical disturbances being tracked this week

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Houston weather: Aug 30 morning forecast

We are monitoring an area of low pressure in the north-central Gulf. Houston will be watching this closely as we will likely see an increase in showers and storms by Tuesday/ Wednesday.

Two tropical disturbances are being tracked in the Atlantic Ocean this week, and one of them is in the Gulf of America.

According to the National Hurricane Center, both disturbances have a low chance of development.

The disturbance in the Gulf, which has been designated Invest 97L, is located off the coast of Louisiana, but the development zone does include parts of the Texas coast. 

An "invest" is a term used by the NHC to indicate an area under increased monitoring for potential development.

Invest 97L is seen on Aug. 30, 2026. (NOAA / FOX Local)

Regardless of development, this one could bring heavy rain to the Houston area this week as it moves inland.

The other disturbance, which is the remnants of Tropical Storm Dolly that formed last week, could develop as it moves toward the Bahamas this week, and bring periods of heavy rain to the Florida Peninsula.

Peak of hurricane season approaching

If either of these disturbances become a tropical storm, they would take the next names on the 2026 list – Edouard and Fay.

An uptick in activity in the Atlantic basin in expected this time of year. Most tropical activity that occurs in a given year happens from August to October, with Sept. 10 being the statistical peak.

Now is a good time to review your hurricane safety plan and make sure you have enough supplies to be on your own for three days if a tropical system hits.

The Source: Information in this story came from the National Hurricane Center, FOX Weather and previous FOX Local reporting.

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