Tropical Storm Podul formed east of Luzon on Monday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Podul was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 125.2°E which put it about 250 miles (400 km) east of Baler, Philippines. Podul was moving a little to the north of due west at 25 m.p.h. (40 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 998 mb.
A low level center of circulation in an area of thunderstorms east of Luzon was visible in satellite imagery on Monday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Podul. The circulation around Tropical Storm Podul was not well organized. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in broken bands west of the center of circulation. Bands in the eastern half of Podul consisted primarily showers and lower clouds. Tropical Storm Podul was moving south of an upper level ridge over eastern Asia and the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge was producing easterly winds which were causing moderate vertical wind shear. The shear was contributing to the poorly organized circulation around Podul.
Tropical Storm Podul will move through an environment mostly unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours, Podul will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C. However, the upper level ridge will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The center will move across northern Luzon and increased friction will weaken the circulation. Tropical Storm Podul could weaken to a tropical depression when it crosses Luzon. Podul could strengthen in the middle of the week when it moves west of Luzon and out over the South China Sea.
Tropical Storm Podul will move south of a subtropical ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will steer Podul a little to the north of due west during the next few days. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Podul will move across northern Luzon on Tuesday. Podul will cause gusty winds and locally heavy rain. The rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Storm Podul will move west of Luzon and over the South China Sea in about 24 hours. Podul could approach Hainan Island in about 72 hours.