Tropical Storm Krovanh Develops over South China Sea

Tropical Storm Krovanh developed over the South China Sea on Sunday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Krovanh was located at latitude 9.7°N and longitude 113.9°E which put it about 515 miles (830 km) east of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Krovanh was moving toward the west-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 1001 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Krovanh was very asymmetrical. A high pressure system over eastern Asia was contributing to a strong pressure gradient northwest of Krovanh. The pressure gradient between the high pressure system and Krovanh was producing strong northeasterly winds in the northwestern quadrant of the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 300 miles (485 km) in the northwestern quadrant of Tropical Storm Krovanh. However, winds in the southeastern quadrant of Krovanh were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Krovanh will move through an environment that is only marginally favorable for intensification. Krovanh will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 27°C. So, there will be enough energy in the upper ocean to support intensification. However, the northeasterly winds on the northwestern side of Tropical Storm Krovanh will transport drier air into the circulation. The drier air will inhibit the development of thunderstorms. Krovanh will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce strong easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical storm. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear, which will also inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Krovanh could intensify a little during the next 24 hours, but the dry air and wind shear are likely to cause it to weaken next week.

Tropical Storm Krovanh will move around the southern side of the high pressure system over eastern Asia. The high will steer Krovanh toward the west-southwest during the next several days. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Krovanh could be near the southernmost part of Vietnam in about three days.