Champi Strengthens to a Typhoon Southwest of Iwo To

Former Tropical Storm Chanpi strengthened to a typhoon southwest of Iwo To on Friday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Champi was located at latitude 22.5°N and longitude 139.2°E which put it about 230 miles (370 km) southwest of Iwo To. Champi was moving toward the north at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 982 mb.

The circulation around Typhoon Champi exhibited better organization on Friday morning. There was a small, circular eye at the center of Champi. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Champi. The strongest rainband wrapped around the northern, western and southern sides of Champi. Bands in the eastern side of the typhoon consisted mainly of showers and lower clouds. The circulation around Typhoon Champi was relatively small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Champi. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Champi will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Champi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level trough over Japan. The trough will produce southwesterly winds which will blow toward the top of the typhoon. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but Typhoon Champi could strengthen during the next 24 hours. The vertical wind shear will increase during the weekend, when Champi moves closer to the upper level trough.

Typhoon Champi will move around the western end of a surface high pressure system during the next 24 hours. The high will steer Champi toward the north during that time period. On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Champi will pass west of Iwo To on Friday night. Bands on the eastern side of Champi could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Iwo To. The upper level trough over Japan will steer Typhoon Champi toward the northeast during the weekend. Champi could be southeast of Tokyo in 48 hours.