Tropical Storm Kalmaegi formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines on Saturday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Kalmaegi was located at latitude 10.4°N and longitude 136.7°E which put the center about 75 miles (120 km) northwest of Yap.  Kalmaegi was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines strengthened on Saturday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Kalmaegi.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Kalmaegi exhibited more organization on Saturday.  New thunderstorms formed near the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Kalmaegi.  Storms near the center of Kalmaegi started to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface to pressure to start to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Kalmaegi was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 50 miles (85 km) from the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Kalmaegi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Kalmaegi will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Kalmaegi could strengthen to a typhoon on Sunday.

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Kalmaegi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Kalmaegi will pass north of Palau in 12 hours.  Kalmaegi will approach the Philippines in 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi is likely to be a typhoon when it reaches the Philippines.  Kalmaegi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the central Philippines.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.