Tropical Storm Nalgae formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines on Thursday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Nalgae was located at latitude 12.2°N and longitude 129.7°E which put it about 410 miles (660 km) east of Legazpi, Philippines. Nalgae was moving toward the west at 6 m.p.h. 105 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.

An area of low pressure over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines strengthened on Thursday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Nalgae. The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Nalgae was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Nalgae’s circulation. Bands in the northern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Tropical Storm Nalgae was moving under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific. The ridge was producing northeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Nalgae’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Tropical Storm Nalgae will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Nalgae will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. The upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. However, the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Nalgae will intensify during the next 36 hours. It is forecast to strengthen to a typhoon.

Tropical Storm Nalgae will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Nalgae toward the west-northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Nalgae will approach southeastern Luzon on Friday. Nalgae could be a typhoon when it reaches southeast Luzon. It could bring strong winds and locally heavy rain. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.