Tropical Depression Forms South-southeast of Guam

A tropical depression formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean south-southeast of Guam on Friday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Depression 02W was located at latitude 5.6°N and longitude 149.0°E which put it about 115 miles (185 km) south of Pulawat and about 595 miles (960 km) south-southeast of Guam. Tropical Depression 02W was moving toward the north-northwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 1002 mb.

An area of low pressure over the Western North Pacific Ocean became better organized on Friday. The Japan Meteorological Agency classified the system as a tropical depression and the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center designated the system as Tropical Depression 02W. The circulation around Tropical Depression 02W was organizing quickly on Friday night. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of the tropical depression. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression. The removal of mass was causing the surface pressure to decrease.

Tropical Depression 02W will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. The tropical depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western end of the axis of an upper level ridge over the Equatorial Pacific Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Depression 02W will intensify during the next 48 hours. The tropical depression is likely to strengthen to a tropical storm during the next 12 hours. It is likely to intensify to a typhoon within 48 hours.

Tropical Depression 02W will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer the tropical depression toward the north-northwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression 02W will affect Pulawat during the next 36 hours. Tropical Depression 02W will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Pulawat. Tropical Depression 02W could reach the Marianas within four days. It is likely to be a typhoon when it reaches the Marianas.