Typhoon Mindulle moved steadily toward the coast of Japan on Sunday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Mindulle was located at latitude 32.9°N and longitude 139.4°E which put it about 185 miles (305 km) south of Tokyo, Japan.  Mindulle was moving toward the north at 19 m.p.h. (31 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 975 mb.

The circulation of Typhoon is reasonably well organized.  A primary rainband wraps most of the way around the northern and eastern sides of the center of circulation.  There is evidence of a partial eyewall north of the center.  Additional bands of thunderstorms are occurring in the northern half of the circulation.  The thunderstorms near the core of Mindulle are generating upper level divergence which is pumping away mass to the east of the typhoon.  However, there are fewer thunderstorms west of the center of circulation which may indicate the presence of dry air in that area.

Typhoon Mindulle is moving through an environment that is only marginal for further intensification.  It is currently moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C, but Mindulle will move over cooler water when it approaches the coast of Japan.  An upper level trough located to the west of Japan is generating southwesterly winds which are blowing across the top of Mindulle.  The moderate vertical wind shear is preventing upper level divergence to the west of the typhoon and the shear may also be partially responsible for the asymmetric distribution of thunderstorms.  It is also possible that Mindulle is pulling in some drier air located northwest of the typhoon.

The upper level trough is steering Mindulle toward the north and that general motion is expected to continue.  On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Mindulle will reach the coast near Tokyo in 10-12 hours.  Heavy rain in some of the bands of thunderstorms north of the center could reach the coast at any time.  Since Mindulle is a typhoon, it is capable of causing minor wind damage.  A greater risk is the potential for locally heavy rainfall and flash flooding.