Category Archives: Western North Pacific

Western Pacific Typhoons and Tropical Storms

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.

Kajiki Strengthens to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Kajiki strengthened to a typhoon over the South China Sea southeast of Hainan on Saturday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Kajiki was located at latitude 17.3°N and longitude 110.6°E which put the center about 85 miles (135 km) south-southeast of Lingshui, China.  Kajiki was moving toward the west 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 985 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Kajiki strengthened to a typhoon on Saturday night. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Typhoon Kajiki.  A small circular eye was visible 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 upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Kajiki increased as Kajiki strengthened on Saturday.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Kajiki’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 145 miles (235 km) from the center of Typhoon Kajiki.

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 passes south of Hainan.

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 pass south of Hainan during the next 12 hours.  Kajiki will approach northern Vietnam in 24 hours.

Typhoon Kajiki will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Hainan.  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 8 feet (2.4 meters) along the coast of northern Vietnam.

Tropical Storm Kajiki Forms Over South China Sea

Tropical Storm Kajiki formed over the South China Sea on Friday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Kajiki was located at latitude 17.6°N and longitude 115.9°E which put the center about 365 miles (590 km) south-southeast of Hong Kong.  Kajiki was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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.

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

The circulation around Tropical Storm Kajiki exhibited much more organization on Friday night.  Numerous thunderstorms were forming around the center of Kajiki’s circulation.  Thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Kajiki.  Storms near the center of Kajiki generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The distribution of wind speeds around Tropical Storm Kajiki was asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 130 miles (210 km) in the northwestern quadrant of Kajiki’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) in the other parts of Tropical Storm Kajiki.

Tropical Storm 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 easterly 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 east.  So, there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Kajiki will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Kajiki could strengthen to a typhoon during the weekend.

Tropical Storm 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, Tropical Storm Kajiki will approach southern Hainan in 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Kajiki could be a typhoon when it approaches southern Hainan.  Kajiki will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Hainan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Podul Nears Taiwan

Typhoon Podul was nearing southern Taiwan on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Podul was located at latitude 22.3°N and longitude 122.6°E which put the center about 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Taitung, Taiwan.  Podul was moving toward the west-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 970 mb.

Typhoon Podul was intensifying as it approached southern Taiwan on Tuesday.  A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (48 km) was at the center of Podul’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 Podul.  Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the south and west of the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The size of the circulation around Typhoon Podul increased as Podul intensified on Tuesday.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Podul’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of Typhoon Podul.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Podul is 16.5.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 16.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 33.2.  Typhoon Podul is similar in intensity to Hurricane Idalia when Idalia hit Florida in 2023.  Typhoon Podul is much larger than Idalia was.

Typhoon Podul will move through an environment that will be mostly favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  Podul will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  An upper level ridge over eastern China will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Podul’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Typhoon Podul could continue to intensify during the next few hours.

Typhoon Podul will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is south of Japan.  The high pressure system will steer Podul toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Podul will make landfall in southeastern Taiwan in a few hours.

Typhoon Podul will bring strong gusty winds and heavy rain to Taiwan.  The heaviest rain will fall in southern Taiwan and on the eastern slopes of mountains in eastern Taiwan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

The Taiwan Central Weather Administration has issued a Land Typhoon Warning for much of Taiwan.  A Sea Typhoon Warning is in effect for much of the waters surrounding Taiwan.

The Taiwan Central Weather Administration has issued an Extremely Heavy Rain Advisory for much of southern and eastern Taiwan.

Typhoon Podul could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along parts of the east coast of Taiwan.

Podul Strengthens to a Typhoon

Former Tropical Storm Podul strengthened to a typhoon over the Western North Pacific Ocean east-southeast of Taiwan on Monday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Podul was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 128.6°E which put the center about 510 miles (825 km) east-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Podul was moving toward the west at 16 m.p.h. (26 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.

The circulation around Typhoon Podul became more symmetrical on Monday.  A circular eye appeared at the center of Podul’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a broken ring of thunderstorms.  The strongest winds were occurring in that broken ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Podul.  Storms near the center of Podul generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The strongest winds were occurring in the eastern side of Typhoon Podul.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) in the eastern side of Podul’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of Typhoon Podul.

Typhoon Podul will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Podul will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  However, an upper level ridge over eastern China and Japan will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Podul’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Typhoon Podul could intensify during the next 24 hours if the wind shear does not get any stronger.

Typhoon Podul will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is south of Japan.  The high pressure system will steer Podul toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Podul will approach Taiwan in 24 hours.

Typhoon Podul will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Podul Churns Westward

Tropical Storm Podul churned westward over the Western North Pacific Ocean on Sunday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Podul was located at latitude 21.2°N and longitude 132.7°E which put the center about 510 miles (820 km) southeast of Okinawa.  Podul was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

The structure of Tropical Storm Podul did not change much on Sunday.  An upper level ridge over China and Japan continue to produce northeasterly winds that blew toward the top of Podul’s circulation.  Those winds caused moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear was caused the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Podul to be asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Podul’s circulation.  Bands in the northern side of Tropical Storm Podul consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Podul was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 75 miles (120 km) from the center of Podul’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Podul will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Podul will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  However, the upper level ridge over China and Japan will continue to cause vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will continue to  inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Podul could intensify slowly during the next 24 hours if the wind shear does not get any stronger.  Podul could strengthen to a typhoon on Monday.

Tropical Storm Podul will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is south of Japan. The high pressure system will steer Podul toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Podul will approach the southern Ryukyu Islands in 36 hours.  Podul could approach Taiwan in 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Podul Passes South of Iwo To

Tropical Storm Podul passes south of Iwo To on Saturday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Podul was located at latitude 21.6°N and longitude 140.4°E which put the center about 230 miles (370 km) south of Iwo To.  Podul was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (17 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 998 mb.

Tropical Storm Podul was maintaining its intensity on Saturday as it passed south of Iwo To.  An upper level ridge over China and Japan was producing northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Podul’s circulation.  Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear was causing the distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Podul to be asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Podul’s circulation.  Bands in the northern side of Tropical Storm Podul consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Podul was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of Podul’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Podul will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Podul will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  However, the upper level ridge over China and Japan will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Podul could intensify slowly during the next 24 hours if the wind shear does not get any stronger.

Tropical Storm Podul will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over Japan.  The high pressure system will steer Podul toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Podul will move toward the southern Ryukyu Islands.