Joint Typhoon Warning Center Monitors Tropical Disturbances
Forecasters have upgraded the development potential for Invest 97W as regional weather activity continues in the Pacific.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Current Conditions
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The Joint Typhoon Warning Center has upgraded the development potential of Invest 97W to medium as the disturbance organizes near the Marshall Islands. Meanwhile, Invest 98W continues to produce scattered showers across the Marianas.
Why it matters
Tracking these tropical disturbances is critical for anticipating potential cyclone formation and managing weather-related risks in the Pacific region. Monitoring these systems allows meteorological agencies to provide timely updates on storm development and associated maritime hazards.
Invest 97W features maximum sustained winds of 18 to 23 knots and a minimum sea-level pressure near 1007 millibars, while sea-surface temperatures in the area reach 29 to 30 degrees Celsius. Combined seas in the Marianas are currently 6 to 8 feet.
The players
Joint Typhoon Warning Center
This joint United States Navy and United States Air Force command is responsible for issuing tropical cyclone warnings for the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
The details
Invest 97W is currently located near 11.8 degrees north latitude and 165.9 degrees east longitude, characterized by 10 to 15 knots of vertical wind shear. Invest 98W, situated near 9 degrees north latitude and 148 degrees east longitude, remains rated as sub-low but is generating rain through an interaction between a trade-wind trough and an upper-level low.
Timeline
Friday, Oct. 23, 2026: JTWC issued the tropical weather advisory for Invest 97W.
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026: Invest 97W may potentially turn toward the north.
Monday, Oct. 26, 2026: Combined seas are expected to subside to 4 to 6 feet.
Seasonal Patterns
This activity follows the established meteorological protocols used by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center to track and classify tropical development potential across the Pacific basin. These systems are part of the ongoing seasonal monitoring of atmospheric disturbances that frequent the Western Pacific region.
Residents in the Marianas should prepare for continued wet conditions through the weekend as the system interacts with the local environment. Mariners operating in the area should monitor forecasts for updates on sea states, as combined seas are currently elevated at 6 to 8 feet.
The takeaway
Tropical weather systems can evolve rapidly, requiring constant monitoring of atmospheric data like wind shear and sea-surface temperatures. Staying informed through official channels helps local communities and mariners make safer decisions when weather conditions change.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing weather events, visit Current Conditions.
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