Tropical Storm Saudel developed east of Luzon on Monday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Saudel was located at latitude 15.8°N and longitude 124.3°E which put it about 185 miles (300 km) east of Baler, Philippines. Saudel was moving toward the west-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 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 1000 mb.

A low pressure system east of Luzon strengthened on Monday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Saudel. The circulation around Tropical Storm Saudel exhibited more organization on satellite images. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Saudel. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence which pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Saudel will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will be under the southern part of an upper level ridge.  The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Saudel will start to move across northern Luzon in about 12 hours. Saudel will weaken while it moves over Luzon. Tropical Storm Saudel will move over the South China Sea in about 24 hours. Saudel will begin to strengthen again when it moves back over water.

Tropical Storm Saudel will move south of a ridge of high pressure over eastern Asia.  The ridge will steer Saudel toward the west-northwest.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Saudel will reach the coast of northern Luzon in about 12 hours. Saudel will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to northern Luzon. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some parts of Luzon. Tropical Storm Saudel could approach the coast of Vietnam in a few days.