Tag Archives: WP11

Tropical Storm Francisco Drops Heavy Rain on South Korea

Tropical Storm Francisco dropped heavy rain on parts of South Korea on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Francisco was located at latitude 37.4°N and longitude 129.4°E which put it about 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Tonghae, South Korea.  Francisco was moving toward the north at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

After moving across Kyushu on Monday night, the center of Tropical Storm Francisco crossed the Korea Strait and moved northward over eastern South Korea.  The center of Francisco made landfall near Busan (Pusan), South Korea.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms in the northern half of Tropical Storm Francisco dropped heavy rain over parts of South Korea.  The rain could create the potential for flash floods in some locations.  Winds to tropical storm force were occurring in the portions of rainbands over the Sea of Japan.

Tropical Storm Francisco will soon reach a region where the westerly winds in the middle latitudes are blowing.  Those winds will turn Francisco eastward over the Sea of Japan.  Tropical Storm Francisco will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 26°C.  However, the westerly winds in the upper levels will create strong vertical wind shear and significant intensification is not expected.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Francisco could reach Hokkaido in about 48 hours.  Francisco could still be a tropical storm at that time.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Lekima strengthened into a typhoon southeast of Taiwan and Tropical Storm Krosa intensified south of Iwo To.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Typhoon Lekima was located at latitude 19.7°N and longitude 127.9°E which put it about 575 miles (925 km) southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Lekima was moving toward the northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 967 mb.  Typhoon Lekima could strengthen into the equivalent of a major hurricane and it is forecast to move toward Taiwan and the southern Ryukyu Islands.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Krosa was located at latitude 19.9°N and longitude 141.9°E which put it about 360 miles (585 km) south of Iwo To.  Krosa was moving toward the north-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.  Tropical Storm Krosa is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and to move toward Iwo To.

Tropical Storm Wukong Forms Southeast of Japan

Tropical Storm Wukong formed southeast of Japan on Monday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Wukong was located at latitude 29.0°N and longitude 159.0°E which put it about 1370 miles (2210 km) east-southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Wukong was moving toward the north at 24 m.p.h. (39 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and the were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 984 mb.

A cluster of thunderstorms developed southeast of Japan during the weekend and a low level center of circulation formed near the southwestern edge of the cluster of storms.  However, strong upper level winds blowing from the southwest kept blowing the top of the circulation northeast of the low level center and the system was unable to develop.  The upper level winds slowed on Monday and a band of showers and thunderstorms wrapped around the northern and western sides of the center of circulation.  The Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Wukong.

The circulation of Tropical Storm Wukong organized quickly after the upper level winds weakened.   As mentioned above, a primary rainband wrapped around the northern and western sides of the center of circulation.  Storms in the primary rainband generated upper level divergence which was pumping mass away to the north of the tropical storm.  Several other bands of showers and thunderstorms developed in the eastern half of the circulation.  Bands south and west of the center consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Tropical Storm Wukong will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next day or so.  Wukong will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 27°C.  Wukong is moving along the eastern portion of an upper level trough.  The trough is producing southwesterly winds which are blowing toward the top of the circulation.  However, those winds weakened on Monday and they will not cause enough vertical wind shear to prevent further intensification.  Tropical Storm Wukong could strengthen into a typhoon during the next 24 to 36 hours.  Eventually, Wukong will move over cooler water and it will begin to weaken.

Tropical Storm Wukong is moving between an upper level trough to the west and an upper level ridge to the east.  The trough and ridge were combining to steer Wukong toward the north and a general northerly motion is expected to continue.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Wukong will stay west of the larger islands of Japan.  Wukong could approach the Kuril Islands in about three days.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific former Tropical Storm Ampil weakened to a tropical depression over land southeast of Beijing, China, Tropical Storm Son-tinh meandered near the coast of southeastern China and Tropical Depression 15W organized southwest of Iwo To, Japan.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression Ampil was located at latitude 38.8°N and longitude 117.6°E which put it about 110 miles (175 km) southeast of Beijing, China.  Ampil was moving toward the north-northwest at 18 m.p.h. (29 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55k km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb.  Tropical Depression Ampil was still dropping locally heavy rain over parts of eastern China.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Son-tinh was located at latitude 21.2°N and longitude 109.0°E which put it about 40 miles (65 km) southeast of Beihai, China.  Son-tinh was moving toward the west-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 996 mb.  Tropical Storm Son-tinh was dropping locally heavy rain over parts of southeastern China and Hainan Island.

At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression 15W was located at latitude 17.6°N and longitude 136.3°E which put it about 585 miles (945 km) southwest of Iwo To, Japan.  It was moving toward the north-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 998 mb.  The circulation of Tropical Depression 15W became more organized on Monday and it could eventually strengthen into a typhoon when it moves toward Iwo To later this week.

Tropical Storm Ampil Nears Landfall Southeast of Shanghai

Tropical Storm Ampil neared landfall on the coast of China southeast of Shanghai on Saturday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Ampil was located at latitude 31.0°N and longitude 122.3°E which put it about 60 miles (95 km) southeast of Shanghai, China.  Ampil was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

Tropical Storm Ampil moved steadily toward the coast of China on Saturday with little change of structure or intensity.  Drier air continued to circulate around the tropical storm and it limited the development of taller thunderstorms in much of Ampil.  The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in the inner portion of a band northwest of center of circulation.  The strongest winds were associated with those storms.  Bands around the rest of Tropical Storm Ampil consisted of showers and lower clouds.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 165 miles (270 km) from the center.

Tropical Storm Ampil will make landfall on the coast of China southeast of Shanghai in a few hours.  Ampil will cause gusty winds and the strong band of thunderstorms will drop locally heavy rain.  The heavy rain could cause flash floods in parts of eastern China.

Elsewhere the tropics became more active over the Western North Pacific Ocean on Saturday.  The remnants of former Tropical Storm Son-tinh were reorganizing west of Hainan Island over the Gulf of Tongking, Tropical Depression 13W moved east of Taiwan, and Tropical Depression 14W formed northwest of Wake Island and Tropical Depression 15W formed west of Guam.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression Son-tinh was located at latitude 19.2°N and longitude 108.2°E which put it about 45 miles (75 km) west of Dongfeng, China.  Son-tinh was moving toward the east-southeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Son-tinh completed a slow clockwise loop over Laos and Vietnam which during the past several days and it emerged back over the Gulf of Tongking on Saturday.  There was a distinct low level center of circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were circulating around the enter.  The rainbands were dropping heavy rain over Hainan Island and creating the potential for flash floods.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression 13W was located at latitude 21.6°N and longitude 122.9°E which put it about 165 miles (265 km) south-southeast of Hualien, Taiwan.  It was moving toward the northwest at 18 m.p.h. (29 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 998 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression 14W was located at latitude 22.5°N and longitude 159.4°E which put it about 370 miles (600 km) east-southeast of Minami Tori Shima.  It was moving toward the north at 4 m.p.h. (6 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 998 mb.

At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Depression 15W was located at latitude 13.2°N and longitude 138.1°E which put it about 225 miles (365 km) north-northwest of Ulithi.  It was moving toward the northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb.

Tropical Storm Son-tinh Makes Landfall in Vietnam, Ampil Forms South of Okinawa

Tropical Storm Son-tinh made landfall in Vietnam on Wednesday while Tropical Storm Ampil formed south of Okinawa.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Son-tinh was located at latitude 19.1°N and longitude 105.5°E which put it about 30 miles (50 km) north-northwest of Vinh, Vietnam.  Son-tinh was moving toward the west at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

Tropical Storm Son-tinh strengthened on Wednesday after it moved away from Hainan Island.  A primary rainband wrapped around the western and southern side of the center of circulation and the inner end of the band began to evolve into a partial eyewall.  Thunderstorms in the core of Son-tinh generated upper level divergence which pumped away mass.  The removal of mass allowed the surface pressure to decrease.  A stronger pressure gradient force produced higher wind speeds.

Tropical Storm Son-tinh moved south of a ridge in the upper and middle troposphere.  The ridge steered Son-tinh steadily toward the west and the tropical storm made landfall just north of Vinh, Vietnam late on Wednesday.  Tropical Storm Son-tinh brought gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the coast of northern Vietnam around Vinh.  Son-tinh was also dropping locally heavy rain over portions of northern Vietnam and flash flooding could occur in some locations.

Tropical Storm Son-tinh will continue to move westward over northern Vietnam and northern Laos.  Son-tinh will weaken as the circulation moves inland.  It will continue to drop locally heavy rain and flash floods could occur in parts of northern Vietnam and northern Laos during the next several days.

The organization of former Tropical Depression 12W improved on Wednesday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Ampil.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Ampil was located at latitude 19.9°N and longitude 129.6°E which put it about 480 miles (775 km) south-southeast of Okinawa.  Ampil was moving toward the east-northeast at 8 m.p.h. (13 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 996 mb.

The circulation of Tropical Storm Ampil was not particularly well organized.  It exhibited characteristics of a hybrid low pressure system.  There was an upper low northwest of the low level circulation.  The upper low was causing strong southwesterly winds which were blowing across the top of the lower level circulation.  Those winds were causing significant vertical wind shear and they were tilting the circulation strongly toward the northeast.  The strongest bands of showers and thunderstorms were occurring south and west of the low level circulation.  Bands north and west of the center consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The upper low will gradually move toward the west.  As the low moves westward, the vertical wind shear over Tropical Storm Ampil will start to decrease.  Ampil will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  So, when the vertical wind shear decreases, then Tropical Storm Ampil will likely intensify.  Ampil could eventually strengthen into a typhoon in two or three days.

The upper low will initially will steer Tropical Storm Ampil toward the northeast.  When the upper low moves farther to the west on Thursday, then Ampil will move toward the north.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Ampil could be near Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands in two or three days.

Tropical Storm Son-tinh Moves Across Hainan Island

Tropical Storm Son-tinh moved across Hainan Island on Tuesday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Son-tinh was located at latitude 18.9°N and longitude 108.5°E which put it about 15 miles (25 km) southwest of Dongfang, China.  Son-tinh was moving toward the west at 21 m.p.h. (34 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 996 mb.

The center of Tropical Storm Son-tinh moved east to west across the southern half of Hainan Island on Tuesday.  In spite of moving over the island, the circulation of Tropical Storm Son-tinh retained its organization.  There was still a distinct low level center of circulation.  A primary rainband wrapped around the southern and eastern portions of the center.  Additional bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Son-tinh.  The strongest rainbands were in the western half of the tropical storm.  The circulation of Tropical Storm Son-tinh remains small.  Winds to tropical storm force only extend out about 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Son-tinh will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Son-tinh will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move south of an upper level ridge.  The ridge will produce northeasterly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will create moderate vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Son-tinh could strengthen after it moves west of Hainan Island and the center of circulation moves back over water.  Son-tinh is likely to reach the coast of Vietnam in 12 to 18 hours and it will weaken after landfall.

The ridge north of Son-tinh steered the tropical storm quickly toward the west on Tuesday.  It will continue to steer Tropical Storm Son-tinh in a general westerly direction on Wednesday.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Son-tinh will move steadily west of Hainan Island.  Locally heavy rain and gusty winds should gradually diminish there on Wednesday.  Son-tinh is likely to make landfall on the coast of Vietnam near Vinh in 12 to 18 hours and then move across Vietnam toward Laos.  Tropical Storm Son-tinh will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain, but its impact will be lessened because of the small size of the circulation.  The heavy rain could cause flooding in isolated locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 12W formed east of Luzon.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Depression 12W was located at latitude 18.9°N and longitude 126.1°E which put it about 545 miles (875 km) south of Okinawa.  It was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

Tropical Storm Son-tinh Develops East of Hainan Island

Tropical Storm Son-tinh developed east of Hainan Island on Monday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Son-tinh was located at latitude 19.4°N and longitude 116.9°E which put it about 430 miles east of Hainan Island.  Son-tinh was moving toward the west at 24 m.p.h. (35 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 996 mb.

A small circulation began west of Guam last week and then it moved north of the Philippines on Monday.  Thunderstorms would form near the circulation and then wind shear would blow the tops of the storms away.  A small area of thunderstorms eventually persisted near the center of circulation on Monday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Son-tinh.  There was a small tight center of circulation in Son-tinh, but strong upper level winds were causing the distribution of thunderstorms to be asymmetrical.  More of the thunderstorms were occurring west of the center.  The circulation of Son-tinh was relatively small.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Son-tinh will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification.  Son-tinh will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  Tropical Storm Son-tinh is moving south of an upper level ridge.  The ridge is producing strong easterly winds which are blowing toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear and the shear will limit intensification.  Tropical Storm Son-tinh could intensify a little before it reaches Hainan Island, but it will weaken when it moves over the island.

The ridge north of Son-tinh is steering the tropical storm rapidly toward the west and that general motion is forecast to continue on Tuesday.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Son-tinh will reach Hainan Island in about 18 hours.  Son-tinh will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain.  Isolated flash floods could occur,but the overall impacts are likely to be minor.

Typhoon Nesat Causes Heavy Rain, Floods in Taiwan

Typhoon Nesat caused heavy rain and floods in parts of Taiwan when it moved over the island.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Nesat was located at latitude 26.2°N and longitude 118.9°E which put it near Fuzhou, China.  Nesat was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 977 mb.

The core of Typhoon Nesat moved over northern Taiwan earlier today and the center passed close to Taipei.  The typhoon brought strong winds and heavy rain to parts of northern and eastern Taiwan.  The rainfall was heavy enough in some locations to cause flash flooding.  Nesat weakened to a tropical storm when the center passed over Taiwan.

Tropical Storm Nesat moved quickly across the Taiwan Strait and it made another landfall on the east coast of China near Fuzhou.  Nesat produced gusty winds and locally heavy rain near the coast.  Heavy rain will continue to fall over eastern China as Tropical Storm Nesat moves farther inland and the rain could result in flooding in some locations.

Parts of Taiwan could receive additional heavy rain on Sunday when Tropical Storm Haitang approaches the southern part of the island.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Haitang was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 119.7°E which put it about 370 miles (595 km) south-southwest of Taipei, Taiwan.  Haitang was moving toward the east-northeast at at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

The distribution of rain in Tropical Storm Haitang is very asymmetrical.  Almost all of the showers and thunderstorms are located south of the center of circulation.  However, there is a fairly large area of heavy rain in the southern half of the circulation of Haitang.  Tropical Storm Haitang is currently moving toward the east-northeast, but it is forecast to turn toward the north in a trough of low pressure left behind in the wake of Tropical Storm Nesat.  On its anticipated track Haitang, could make landfall in southwestern Taiwan near Kaohsiung in about 12 hours.  When the heavy rain in Haitang reaches Taiwan, it could exacerbate the flooding caused by Nesat.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific the center of Tropical Storm Noru passed just east of Iwo To.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Noru was located at latitude 23.5°N and longitude 141.4°E which put it about 80 miles (130 km) south-southeast of Iwo To.  Noru was moving toward the south-southwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

Tropical Storm Noru brought periods of heavy rain and gusty winds to Iwo To when the core of tropical storm moved east of the island.  Tropical Storm Noru is forecast to turn toward the west on Sunday.  The outer bands on the northern side of Noru will continue to cause gusty winds and periods of heavier rain on Iwo To as the tropical storm passes south of the island.

Strengthening Typhoon Nesat Nearing Taiwan

Strengthening Typhoon Nesat moved nearer to Taiwan on Friday.   At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Nesat was located at latitude 22.0°N and longitude 123.3°E which put it about 275 miles (440 km) south-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Nesat was moving toward the west-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (170 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 973 mb.

Typhoon Nesat has a very well organized circulation.  A ring of thunderstorms almost completely surrounds the eye.  There is a small gap in the ring on the northeastern rim of the eye.  Numerous additional bands of showers and thunderstorms are occurring in the southern half of the circulation.  There are fewer bands of showers and thunderstorms in the northern part of the circulation.  Thunderstorms in the core of Typhoon Nesat are producing upper level divergence which is pumping out mass.  Winds to typhoon force extend out about 40 miles (65 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out about 145 miles (230 km) from the center.

Typhoon Nesat will be moving through an environment favorable for intensification until it reaches Taiwan.  Nesat will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  An upper level ridge centered west of Japan is producing east-northeasterly winds which are blowing toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds are causing some vertical wind shear, but they are not strong enough to keep Typhoon Nesat from strengthening.  Typhoon Nesat is likely to intensify for another 12-18 hours until it reaches Taiwan.  When it Nesat reaches Taiwan, the mountains will disrupt the circulation.

Typhoon Nesat is being steered toward the west-northwest by a subtropical ridge to its north.  A general west-northwesterly or northwesterly motion is expected to continue until Nesat makes landfall in Taiwan.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Nesat will make landfall on the east coast of Taiwan in 12 to 18 hours.  Neast will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Taiwan.  The heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in the mountains.

Tropical Storm Nesat Forms Southeast of Taiwan

Tropical Storm Newsat formed southeast of Taiwan on Wednesday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Nesat was located at latitude 18.0°N and longitude 127.5°E which put it about 620 miles (1000 km) southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Nesat was moving toward the north at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

A well organized surface circulation formed in an area of thunderstorms southeast of Taiwan on Wednesday.  A strong cluster of thunderstorms formed south of the center of circulation.  Additional bands of showers and thunderstorms developed in the western and southern portions of Tropical Storm Nesat.  There were few thunderstorms in the eastern half of the circulation.  More thunderstorms appeared to be forming near the core of the circulation in recent hours.  The thunderstorms in the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping out mass.

Tropical Storm Nesat will be moving through an area that is favorable for intensification.  Nesat will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C.  Tropical Storm Nesat is beneath the northeastern part of an upper level ridge.  The ridge is producing northeasterly winds which are blowing toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds are causing some vertical wind shear and the shear could be the reason for the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.  Tropical Storm Nesat could move under the axis of the upper level ridge where the winds are weaker.  In that case the shear would be less and Nesat could intensify more quickly.  Tropical Storm Nesat is likely to intensify into a typhoon during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Nesat is moving around a weak area in a subtropical ridge, which is allowing the tropical storm to move toward the north.  The ridge is forecast to strengthen and when that happens it will steer Nesat more toward the west.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Nesat could approach Taiwan in about three days.  Nesat could be a strong typhoon when it nears Taiwan.

Elsewhere in the Western North Pacific Typhoon Noru has turned back toward the west.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Noru was located at latitude 30.6°N and longitude 151.2°E which put it about 770 miles (1240 km) east-northeast of Iwo To.  Noru was moving toward the west 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. (150 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 978 mb.

A subtropical ridge north of Typhoon Noru is steering the typhoon toward the west.  A general westerly motion is forecast to continue for several more days.  Noru could reach an area of weaker steering winds in a few days and its motion may slow.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Noru could approach Iwo To in three or four days.

Tropical Storm Dianmu Forms Near Hainan Island

A center of circulation developed within a larger cyclonic rotation associated with the monsoon near Hainan Island and the Japan Meteorological Agency classified the system as Tropical Storm Dianmu.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Dianmu was located at latitude 20.5°N and longitude 109.7°E which put it about 265 miles (430 km) east of Hanoi, Vietnam.  Dianmu was moving toward the west at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 985 mb.

The circulation of Tropical Storm Dianmu consists of a smaller counterclockwise rotation inside a much larger cyclonic flow associated with the monsoonal circulation.  Thunderstorms clustered around the western and southern portion of the smaller counterclockwise rotation and a distinct inner core developed that is separate from the broader center of the monsoonal gyre.  Additional spiral bands formed outside the core.  The thunderstorms are generating upper level divergence, primarily to the south and west of Tropical Storm Diamnu.

Tropical Storm Dianmu is moving through an environment that is favorable for additional strengthening.  It is moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 31°C.  An upper level ridge centered over China is producing easterly winds which are blowing across the top of Tropical Storm Dianmu.  Those winds are causing moderate vertical wind shear, which is slowing the rate of intensification of the tropical storm.  The proximity of Dianmu to the coast is also slowing the rate of intensification.  Tropical Storm Dianmu has 12 to 18 hours to intensify before it moves over land.

The upper level ridge over China is steering Tropical Storm Dianmu toward the west and that general motion is expected to continue.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Dianmu could reach the coast of Vietnam in 12 to 18 hours.  Dianmu could cause some minimal wind damage and storm surge, but heavy rain will be the greatest threat.  Tropical Storm Dianmu could cause flash flooding when it moves inland over Southeast Asia.