Category Archives: Western North Pacific

Western Pacific Typhoons and Tropical Storms

Ragasa Strengthens to Typhoon East of Luzon

Former Tropical Storm Ragasa strengthened to a typhoon over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of northern Luzon on Friday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Ragasa was located at latitude 16.52°N and longitude 129.3°E which put the center about 530 miles (855 km) east of Aparri, Philippines.  Ragasa was moving toward the west-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 985 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Ragasa strengthened to a typhoon east of northern Luzon on Friday night.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Ragasa’s circulation.  A small circular eye formed at the center of Typhoon Ragasa.  A ring of thunderstorms surrounded the eye and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Ragasa.  Storms near the center of Ragasa generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Typhoon Ragasa was large.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 65 miles (105 km) from the center of Ragasa’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (325 km) from the center of Typhoon Ragasa.

Typhoon Ragasa will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Ragasa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Ragasa will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Ragasa could intensify rapidly at times.  Typhoon Ragasa is likely to strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the weekend.

Typhoon Ragasa will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Ragasa toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Ragasa will move closer to northern Luzon.  The center of Typhoon Ragasa will be near northern Luzon in 48 hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Storm Neoguri strengthened to a typhoon southeast of Japan.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Neoguri was located at latitude 25.7°N and longitude 156.4°E which put the center about 1210 miles (1950 km) east-southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Neoguri was moving toward the west-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 980 mb.

Tropical Storm Mitag Brings Wind and Rain to Southeastern China

Tropical Storm Mitag brought wind and rain to southeastern China on Friday morning.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Mitag was located at latitude 23.0°N and longitude 115.1°E which put the center about 85 miles (135 km) east-northeast of Hong Kong.  Mitag was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Mitag made landfall on the coast of southeastern China east of Hong Kong on Thursday night.  Mitag was bringing wind and rain to parts of Guangdong.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Mitag was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Mitag’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Mitag will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China.  The high pressure system will steer Mitag toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Mitag will move inland over Guangdong.  The center of Mitag’s circulation will pass north of Hong Kong.

Tropical Storm Mitag will weaken gradually as it moves over southern China.  Mitag will continue to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Guangdong during the next 24 hours.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Ragasa moved slowly toward northern Luzon and Tropical Storm Neoguri strengthened southeast of Japan.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Ragasa was located at latitude 16.2°N and longitude 130.5°E which put the center about 620 miles (1000 km) east of Aparri, Philippines.  Ragasa was moving toward the west at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Neoguri was located at latitude 24.3°N and longitude 159.8°E which put the center about 1450 miles (2340 km) east-southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Neoguri was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

Tropical Storm Mitag Develops Southeast of Hong Kong

Tropical Storm Mitag developed over the South China Sea southeast of Hong Kong on Thursday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Mitag was located at latitude 20.4°N and longitude 116.5°E which put the center about 225 miles (365 km) southeast of Hong Kong.  Mitag was moving toward the west-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

A low pressure system over the South China Sea southeast of Hong Kong strengthened on Thursday morning and the Japan Meteorological Agency  designated the system as Tropical Storm Mitag.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Mitag continued to get better organized on Thursday morning.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Mitag’s circulation.  Thunderstorms also developed in bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Mitag.  Bands in the western side of Mitag’s circulation still consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The strongest winds were occurring in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Mitag.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) in the eastern side of Mitag’s circulation.  The winds in the western side of Tropical Storm Mitag were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Mitag will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Mitag will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over eastern China and the South China Sea.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Mitag will intensity during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Mitag will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Mitag toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Mitag will be near Hong Kong in 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Mitag will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the region around Hong Kong.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Ragasa formed east of Luzon and Tropical Storm Neoguri formed southeast of Japan.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Ragasa was located at latitude 16.0°N and longitude 132.7°E which put the center about 755 miles (1220 km) east of Aparri, Philippines.  Ragasa was moving toward the northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Neoguri was located at latitude 23.1°N and longitude 162.5°E which put the center about 1630 miles (2630 km) east-southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Neoguri was moving toward the west-southwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.

Typhoon Tapah Brings Wind and Rain to Southern China

Typhoon Tapah brought wind and rain to southern China on Sunday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Tapah was located at latitude 22.2°N and longitude 112.2°E which put the center about 75 miles (120 km) west of Macau.  Tapah was moving toward the north-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 984 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Tapah strengthened to a typhoon just before it made landfall on the coast of southern China on Sunday night.  The center of Typhoon Tapah made landfall about 75 miles (120 km) west of Macau.

The strongest winds in Typhoon Tapah were occurring in the southern part of Tapah’s circulation which was still over the South China Sea.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) in the southern half of Typhoon Tapan.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center of Tapah’s circulation.

Typhoon Tapah will move around the southwestern side of a high pressure system over China.  The high pressure system will steer Tapah toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Tapah will move inland over Guangdong and Guangxi.

Typhoon Tapah will bring strong winds and heavy rain to southwestern Guangdong.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.  Typhoon Tapah will weaken steadily as it move inland over southern China.  Tapah will also bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Guangxi.

 

Tropical Storm Tapah Nears Southern China

Tropical Storm Tapah was nearing the coast of southern China on Sunday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Tapah was located at latitude 20.4°N and longitude 113.4°E which put the center about 75 miles (120 km) south of Macau.  Tapah was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

Tropical Storm Tapah was strengthening as it neared the coast of southern China on Sunday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the eastern side of the center of Tapah’s circulation.  An eye appeared to be forming at the center of Tropical Storm Tapah.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tapah’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Tapah generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the southwest of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Tapah became more symmetrical on Sunday.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center of Tapah’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Tapah will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Tapah will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge that is over China.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Tapah’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Tapah will intensify during the next 12 hours.  Tapah could strengthen to a typhoon before it reaches the coast of southern China.

Tropical Storm Tapah will move around the southwestern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Tapah toward the northwest during the next 12 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Tapah will make landfall on the coast of southern China west of Macau in 12 hours.

Tropical Storm Tapah could intensify to a typhoon before it makes landfall on the coast of southern China.  Tapah will bring strong winds and heavy rain to southwestern Guangdong.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Tapah Forms over South China Sea

Tropical Storm Tapah formed over the South China Sea on Saturday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Tapah was located at latitude 18.6°N and longitude 115.2°E which put the center about 280 miles (455 km) south-southeast of Hong Kong.  Tapah was moving toward the west-northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

A low pressure system over the South China Sea strengthened on Saturday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Tapah.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Tapan was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern side of Tapah’s circulation.  Bands in the northern side of Tropical Storm Tapah consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Tapah generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Tapah was large,  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 145 miles (235 km) from the center of Tapah’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Tapah will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Tapah will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge that is over China.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Tapah’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Tapah will intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Tapah will move around the southwestern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.   The high pressure system will steer Tapah toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Tapah will approach the coast of southern China in 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Peipah Brings Wind and Rain to Japan

Tropical Storm Peipah brought wind and rain to parts of Japan on Thursday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Peipah was located at latitude 32.8°N and longitude 132.8°E which put the center about 60 miles (95 km) southwest of Kochi, Japan.  Peipah was moving toward the northeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Peipah exhibited more organization on Thursday.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Peipah’s circulation.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the eastern and northern parts of Tropical Storm Peipah.  Bands in the western and southern parts of Peipah’s circulation still consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Peipah generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the northeast of the tropical storm.

In spite of the improved organization the distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Peipah continued to be asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Peipah’s circulation.  The winds in the other parts of Tropical Storm Peipah were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Peipah will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Peipah will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level trough that is northwest of Japan.  The upper level trough will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Peipah’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  The center of Peipah will pass over southern Shikoku during the next few hours.  Tropical Storm Peipah could intensify a little during the next 24 hours when the center of circulation is over water.

The upper level trough that is northwest of Japan will steer Tropical Storm Peipah toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Peipah’s circulation will move over southern Shikoku during the next few hours.  The center of Peipah will be south of Kyoto in 12 hours.  Tropical Storm Peipah could be near Tokyo in 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Peipah will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Shikoku and Honshu.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Peipah Forms Near Kyushu

Tropical Storm Peipah formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean just to the south of Kyushu on Wednesday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Peipah was located at latitude 30.3°N and longitude 131.4°E which put the center about 110 miles (175 km) south of Miyazaki, Japan.  Peipah was moving toward the north at 18 m.p.h. (30 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean just to the south of Kyushu strengthened on Wednesday evening and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Peipah.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Peipah was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern and eastern parts of Peipah’s circulation.  Bands in the southern and western parts of Tropical Storm Peipah consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Peipah generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the northeast of the tropical storm.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Peipah was also asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) in the eastern side of Peipah’s circulation.  The winds in the western side of Tropical Storm Peipah were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Peipah will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Peipah will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge that is south of Japan.  The upper level ridge will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Peipah’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Peipah could intensify a little during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Peipah will move around the northern side of a high pressure system that is south of Japan.  The high pressure system will steer Peipah toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Peipah will pass just to the east of Kyushu during the next 12 hours.  Peipah could move near the southern coast of Shikoku later on Thursday.  The center of Tropical Storm Peipah could be south of Osaka in 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Peipah will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Kyushu, Shikoku and Honshu.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Kajiki Hits Northern Vietnam

Typhoon Kajiki hit the coast of northern Vietnam near Vinh early on Monday.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Kajiki was located at latitude 18.6°N and longitude 105.7°E which put the center about 10 miles (15 km) southeast of Vinh, Vietnam.  Kajiki was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 967 mb.

The center of Typhoon Kajiki hit the coast of northern Vietnam near Vinh early on Monday.  The circulation around Typhoon Kajiki was relatively small.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km/h) from the center of Kajiki’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Typhoon Kajiki.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Kajiki is 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 11.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 29.7.  Typhoon Kajiki is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Sally when Sally hit South Alabama in 2020.

Typhoon Kajiki will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China.  The high pressure system will steer Kajiki toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Kajiki will move inland over northern Vietnam.  Kajiki will move over northern Laos in 12 to 18 hours.

Typhoon Kajiki will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to northern Vietnam.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.  Kajiki will weaken steadily as it moves inland, but it could also drop heavy rain over parts of northern Laos and northern Thailand.

Typhoon Kajiki Brings Wind and Rain to Hainan

Typhoon Kajiki brought wind and rain to Hainan on Sunday.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Kajiki was located at latitude 17.5°N and longitude 109.8°E which put the center about 50 miles (80 km) south-southeast of Sanya, China.  Kajiki was moving toward the west at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 967 mb.

Typhoon Kajiki rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale during Saturday night.  A circular eye with a diameter of 25 miles (40 km) formed at the center of Kajiki’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Kajiki.  Storms near the center of Kajiki generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Typhoon Kajiki became more symmetrical when it rapidly intensified.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Kajiki’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Typhoon Kajiki.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Kajiki is 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 11.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 29.1.  Typhoon Kajiki is similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Sally when Sally hit South Alabama in 2020.

Typhoon Kajiki will move through an environment that is favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Kajiki will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over China.  The upper level ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kajiki’s circulation.  The winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the northeast.  So, there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Kajiki will intensify during the next 24 hours as long as the center remains south of Hainan.  Kajiki could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoom Kajiki will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over China.  The high pressure system will steer Kajiki toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Kajiki will continue to pass south of Hainan during the next 12 hours.  Kajiki will hit the coast of  northern Vietnam in 24 hours.

Typhoon Kajiki will continue bring strong winds and heavy rain to Hainan during the next 12 hours.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Kajiki will also bring strong winds and heavy rain to northern Vietnam.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods there as well.  Typhoon Kajiki could cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along the coast of northern Vietnam.