MIAMI — The National Hurricane Center upgraded Tropical Depression Six to Tropical Storm Fay early Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, naming the season’s next Atlantic system about 450 miles (730 km) southwest of the Azores with no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

In Public Advisory 4 issued at 900 AM GMT (5 a.m. EDT), NHC said Fay’s center was near 33.7°N, 33.1°W, moving north-northeast near 5 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) and an estimated minimum pressure of 1004 mb. Tropical-storm-force winds extended outward up to about 45 miles from the center. The basin identifier is AL062026.

NHC’s Forecast Discussion 4 (Forecaster Cangialosi) said deep convection had increased near the center and in curved bands, with satellite intensity estimates supporting the upgrade to a tropical storm. Additional strengthening is expected over the next day or so; a mid- to upper-level trough may briefly help, then stronger shear and dry air should end the window. NHC expects Fay to become a remnant low around Tuesday and dissipate by the end of the week while turning southwest after Monday.

The advisory lists no hazards affecting land. The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, sit roughly 800 miles west of mainland Portugal; Fay’s forecast track keeps the compact storm over open northern Atlantic waters, the Associated Press reported via ABC News.

Dated Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026: Fay is a named Atlantic storm with a short strengthening window and no U.S. or Azores coastal threat in the current NHC package.

Sources