Tropical Storm Nari moved across Hokkaido on Monday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Nari was located at latitude 43.6°N and longitude 144.6°E which put the center about 45 miles (75 km) east-southeast of Kitami, Japan. Nari was moving toward the north-northeast at 33 m.p.h. (54 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 993 mb.
Tropical Storm Nari was making a transition to an extratropical cyclone as it moved across Hokkaido on Monday. Most of the bands revolving around the center of Nari’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. There were still a few thunderstorms in bands in the southeastern part of Tropical Storm Nari.
The strongest winds were occurring in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Nari. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the eastern side of Nari’s circulation. The winds in the western part of Tropical Storm Nari were blowing at less than tropical storm force.
Tropical Storm Nari will move into the upper level westerly winds in the middle latitudes. Those winds will steer Nari toward the east-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Nari will move quickly away from Hokkaido in a few hours.
Tropical Storm Nari will move through an environment very unfavorable for a tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours. Nari will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 12°C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level low west of Japan. The upper level low will produce strong southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Nari’s circulation. Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear. The cold water and strong vertical wind shear will cause Tropical Storm Nari to continue its transition to an extratropical cyclone.
Tropical Storm Nari will continue to produce strong winds and isolated heavy rain in Hokkaido during the next few hours. Weather conditions in Hokkaido will improve on Tuesday when Nari moves rapidly away from the area.
