Typhoon Dolphin Is Bringing Wind and Heavy Rain to Iwo To

Even though the center of Typhoon Dolphin is still over 100 miles from Iwo To, it is bringing wind and heavy rain to that island.  The most recent surface observation reported southeast winds at 43 m.p.h. with gusts to 66 m.p.h.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Dolphin was located near latitude 24.6° and longitude 139.7°E which put it about 140 miles west-southwest of Iwo To.  Dolphin was moving toward the northeast at 10 m.p.h.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. and there were gusts to 105 m.p.h.  The minimum surface pressure was 967 mb.

Dolphin will continue to move over cooler Sea Surface Temperatures as it moves farther north.  It will also encounter strong upper level westerly winds, which will increase vertical wind shear.  So, Typhoon Dolphin will weaken steadily on Tuesday.  It will eventually transition into an extratropical cyclone as it passes southeast of Japan.

Upper level westerly winds are steering Typhoon Dolphin toward the northeast.  It is expected to accelerate toward the northeast on Tuesday.  On its anticipated track the center of Dolphin will pass northwest of Iwo To during the next few hours.  It could pass very near Chichi Jima on Tuesday and bring strong wind and heavy rain.