Monthly Archives: April 2022

Tropical Storm Malakas Passes Between Guam and Yap

Tropical Storm Malakas passed between Guam and Yap on Saturday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Malakas was located at latitude 12.0°N and longitude 139.7°E which put it about 345 miles (555 km) west of Guam. Malakas was moving toward the northwest at 29 m.p.h (46 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 982 mb.

Tropical Storm Malakas brought gusty winds and heavy rain to Fais on Saturday night as it passed between Guam and Yap. The circulation around Malakas strengthened on Saturday. The heaviest rain was occurring in a band that was wrapping around the southern side of the center of Tropical Storm Malakas. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Malakas. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 130 miles (210 km) from the center of Malakas.

Tropical Storm Malakas will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Malakas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce southeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Malakas’ circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be large enough to prevent strengthening. Tropical Storm Malakas will intensify during the next 36 hours. Malakas could strengthen to a typhoon during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Malakas will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next several days. The high pressure system will steer Malakas toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Malakas will remain west of the Marianas during the next several days. Malakas will move more toward the north when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system. Malakas could approach Iwo To in four days.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Depression 03W strengthened to Tropical Storm Megi near the Philippines. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Megi was located at latitude 11.3°N and longitude 125.9°E which put it about 25 miles (40 km) east of Guiuan, Philippines. Megi 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 998 mb. Tropical Storm Megi could drop heavy rain over Samar and Leyte. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Malakas Spins South-southwest of Guam

Tropical Storm Malakas spun south-southwest of Guam on Friday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Malakas was located at latitude 7.4°N and longitude 144.1°E which put it about 460 miles (740 km) south-southwest of Guam. Malakas was moving toward the north 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 997 mb.

An upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific strengthened on Friday and that increased the vertical wind shear affecting Tropical Storm Malakas. The increased wind shear prevented Malakas from strengthening on Friday. When the upper level ridge strengthened, the easterly winds blowing toward the top of Malakas’ circulation strengthened. Those stronger upper level winds increased the vertical wind shear and they caused the distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Malakas to become asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Malakas’ circulation. Bands in the eastern half of the tropical storm consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Malakas will move through an environment more favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Malakas 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 the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Malakas’ circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear is forecast to decrease during the weekend. Tropical Storm Malakas will intensify during the next 36 hours. Malakas could strengthen to a typhoon during the weekend.

Tropical Storm Malakas will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next several days. The high pressure system will steer Malakas toward the northwest. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Malakas could pass between Guam and Yap during the weekend.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 03W developed east of the Philippines. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression 03W was located at latitude 10.8°N and longitude 126.8°E which put it about 265 miles (425 km) southeast of Legazpi, Philippines. The tropical depression was moving toward the south-southwest at 4 m.p.h (6 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

Tropical Depression 02W Strengthens to Tropical Storm Malakas

Former Tropical Depression 02W strengthened to Tropical Storm Malakas south of Guam on Thursday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Malakas was located at latitude 5.3°N and longitude 146.2°E which put it about 605 miles (970 km) south of Guam. Malakas was moving toward the 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.

Tropical Storm Malakas was strengthening on Thursday night. Malakas exhibited more organization on satellite images. More thunderstorms were developing in all parts of the circulation around Tropical Storm Malakas. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Malakas. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the northern half of Malakas’ circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the southern half of the circulation.

Tropical Storm Malakas will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Malakas 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 the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Malakas’ circulation. The winds will also be blowing from the east at most other levels in the troposphere. Since the winds will be blowing from the same direction at different levels, there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Malakas will intensify during the next 36 hours. Malakas could strengthen to a typhoon within the next 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Malakas will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next several days. The high pressure system will steer Malakas toward the northwest. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Malakas could pass between Guam and Yap in 48 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Fili Brings Wind and Rain to New Caledonia

Tropical Cyclone Fili brought gusty winds and rain to New Caledonia on Wednesday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Fili was located at latitude 22.9°S and longitude 164.7°E which put it about 115 miles (185 km) west-southwest of Noumea, New Caledonia. Fili was moving toward the south-southeast at 9 m.p.h (15 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 989 mb.

Bands in the eastern half of Tropical Cyclone Fili brought gusty winds and locally heavy rain to New Caledonia on Wednesday. The core of Fili’s circulation with the strongest winds passed just west of New Caledonia. Tropical Cyclone Fili began to weaken slowly on Wednesday evening, but the circulation remained well organized. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern half of Fili’s circulation. Bands in the western half of Tropical Cyclone Fili consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 120 miles (195 km) from the center of Fili.

Tropical Cyclone Fili will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Fili will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26˚C. It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge over the South Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce stronger northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Fili’s circulation during the next two days. Those winds will cause more vertical wind shear. Drier air in the western half of Tropical Cyclone Fili will inhibit the formation of thunderstorms in that part of the circulation. The combination of more vertical wind shear and drier air will cause Tropical Cyclone Fili to weaken during the next 36 hours. Fili could begin to make a transition to an extratropical cyclone when it moves farther south where the Sea Surface Temperatures are colder.

Tropical Cyclone Fili will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the South Pacific Ocean during the next 36 hours. The high pressure system will steer Fili toward the southeast during that time period. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Fili will move away from New Caledonia during the next 36 hours. The gusty winds and locally heavy rain will diminish when Fili moves farther away from New Caledonia.

Tropical Depression Forms South-Southeast of Guam

A tropical depression formed south-southeast of Guam on Wednesday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of the tropical depression was located at latitude 3.6°N and longitude 148.0°E which put it about 675 miles (1090 km) south-southeast of Guam. The tropical depression was moving toward the west at 6 m.p.h (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean south-southeast of Guam strengthened on Wednesday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as a tropical depression. The circulation around the tropical depression exhibited more organization on Wednesday morning. More thunderstorms developed near the center of circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms started to revolve around the center of the tropical depression. Storms near the center began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.

The tropical depression will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. It will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. The tropical depression will move through an area where the winds will be blowing from the east at most levels in the troposphere. Since the winds will be blowing from the same direction at different levels, there will be little vertical wind shear. The tropical depression will intensify during the next 36 hours to a tropical storm. It could eventually strengthen to a typhoon in a few days.

The tropical depression will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer the tropical depression toward the west-northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track the tropical depression will pass south of Guam.

Tropical Cyclone Fili Strengthens Northwest of New Caledonia

Tropical Cyclone Fili strengthened over the Coral Sea northwest of New Caledonia on Tuesday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Fili was located at latitude 19.8°S and longitude 162.5°E which put it about 120 miles (195 km) west-northwest of Poum, New Caledonia. Fili was moving toward the south-southeast at 9 m.p.h (15 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 986 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Fili strengthened on Tuesday as it moved over the Coral Sea northwest of New Caledonia. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Fili’s circulation. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Even though Tropical Cyclone Fili strengthened, some drier air appeared to be pulled into the western half of its circulation. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern half of Fili. Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) in the eastern side of Tropical Cyclone Fili. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) in the western half of Fili.

Tropical Cyclone Fili will move through an environment that will be mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Fili will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27˚C. It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge over the South Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Fili’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be large enough to prevent intensification. The drier air in the western half of Tropical Cyclone Fili will inhibit the formation of thunderstorms in that part of the circulation. The drier air will inhibit intensification. Tropical Cyclone Fili could intensify during the next 24 hours, but the drier air could limit strengthening.

Tropical Cyclone Fili will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the South Pacific Ocean during the next 36 hours. The high pressure system will steer Fili toward the south-southeast during that time period. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Fili will pass west of New Caledonia during the next 36 hours. Rainbands in the eastern half of Fili will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to New Caledonia. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Fili Develops Northwest of New Caledonia

Tropical Cyclone Fili developed over the Coral Sea northwest of New Caledonia on Monday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Fili was located at latitude 18.0°S and longitude 160.4°E which put it about 250 miles (400 km) northwest of Poum, New Caledonia. Fili was moving toward the west-southwest at 11 m.p.h (17 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 995 mb.

A low pressure system over the Coral Sea northwest of New Caledonia strengthened on Monday and the system was designated as Tropical Cyclone Fili. More thunderstorms developed near the center of Tropical Cyclone Fili but the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical. Many of the stronger thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern half of Fili’s circulation. Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the east of the tropical cyclone. The wind field around Tropical Cyclone Fili was also asymmetrical. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 170 miles (280 km) in the northern half of the circulation. Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 80 miles (130 km) in the southern half of Fili.

Tropical Cyclone Fili will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Fili will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge over the South Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Fili’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but Tropical Cyclone Fili is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours. It could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon.

Tropical Cyclone Fili will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the South Pacific Ocean during the next 36 hours. The high pressure system will steer Fili toward the south during that time period. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Fili could move west of the northern end of New Caledonia within 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Halima Still Meandering Southeast of Diego Garcia

Tropical Cyclone Halima continued to meander over the South Indian Ocean southeast of Diego Garcia on Thursday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Halima was located at latitude 19.4°S and longitude 84.0°E which put it about 1145 miles (1850 km) southeast of Diego Garcia. Halima was moving toward the west-northwest at 5 m.p.h (8 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.

Tropical Cyclone Halima maintained its intensity as it continued to meander over the South Indian Ocean southeast of Diego Garcia on Thursday. The distribution of thunderstorms and wind around Tropical Cyclone Halima was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Halima’s circulation. The strongest winds were also occurring in those bands. Bands in the northern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. The winds were weaker on the northern side of Tropical Cyclone Halima. Storms near the center of Halima generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the southeast of the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the southern half of Tropical Cyclone Halima. Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 15 miles (25 km) on the northern half of Halima.

Tropical Cyclone Halima will move through an environment that will continue to be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Halima will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26˚C. However, an upper level trough over the South Indian Ocean will produce northwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Halima’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification of Tropical Cyclone Halima during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Halima will move north of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high pressure will steer Halima toward the west. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Halima will remain far southeast of Diego Garcia during the next 24 hours.