AL98 forecast to become Tropical Storm Melissa over the Caribbean Sea
A low-pressure area in the Caribbean Sea, designated AL98, is forecast to develop into the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season on October 21, 2025.
AL98 satellite loop as of October 21, 2025. Credit: NOAA/GOES-19, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers
The low-pressure area located over the central Caribbean Sea is developing a well-defined center and producing winds of up to 72 km/h (45 mph).
AL98 is forecast to become a tropical storm later on October 21, while it slows down over the central Caribbean Sea. When it develops, it will be named Melissa and become the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are expected to experience heavy rainfall and gusty winds over the next 48 hours as the system passes nearby.
Local meteorological services, including Meteo Curaçao, have issued Code Yellow alerts for severe showers and rough seas on October 21. Marine forecasts indicate wave heights of up to 4 m (13 feet) in parts of the eastern Caribbean associated with the disturbance.
The NHC has advised Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Cuba to monitor the system’s progress, as these islands could experience heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, and rough surf later this week.
An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate the disturbance later on October 21 to collect additional data.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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