Tag Archives: Tropical Depression 03W

Tropical Depression Drops Rain on Mindanao

Tropical Depression 03W dropped rain on Mindanao on Thursday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Depression 03W was located at latitude 7.7°N and longitude 124.7°E which put it about 45 miles (75 km) northwest of Davao, Philippines. The tropical depression was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 1004 mb.

Tropical Depression 03W made landfall on the east coast of Mindanao near Manay on Thursday. The depression generated showers and thunderstorms as it moved over Mindanao. Some of the rainbands revolving around the center of the tropical depression dropped heavy rain over parts of Mindanao. The circulation around Tropical Depression 03W weakened steadily after it moved over land. It is likely to continue to weaken as it moves west across the southern Philippines.

Tropical Depression Forms East of Mindanao

Tropical Depression 03W formed east of Mindanao on Wednesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression 03W was located at latitude 7.1°N and longitude 129.6°E which put it about 275 miles (475 km) east of Davao, Philippines. The tropical depression was moving toward the west-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 1001 mb.

More thunderstorms formed near the center of a small low pressure system east of Mindanao on Wednesday and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center designated the system as Tropical Depression 03W. More thunderstorms were also forming in bands that were revolving around center of the depression. Storms near the center of circulation were began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.

Tropical Depression 03W will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the middle of a small upper level ridge east of the Philippines. The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Depression will intensify during the next 24 hours and it is likely to strengthen to a tropical storm.

Tropical Depression 03W will move south of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer the depression toward the west-northwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression 03W will approach the east coast of Mindanao in a little over 24 hours. It will likely be a tropical storm when it approaches the coast. The system will drop locally heavy rain over Mindanao and flash floods could occur.

Tropical Depression 03W Forms Northwest of Yap

Tropical Depression 03W formed northwest of Yap on Monday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression 03W was located at latitude 12.5°N and longitude 135.2°E which put it about 260 miles (420 km) northwest of Yap.  The depression was moving toward the west 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 1003 mb.

A cluster of thunderstorms developed southeast of the Marianas during the weekend.  The cluster moved slowly toward the west-northwest and the circulation gradually exhibited signs of greater organization.  Satellite imagery indicated that a center of circulation formed in the lower levels of the circulation and the system was designated as Tropical Depression 03W on Monday.

The circulation of Tropical Depression 03W is still organizing.  Although there is a distinct low level center, the distribution of showers and thunderstorms is asymmetrical.  Many of the showers and thunderstorms are forming east of the center of circulation.  There are few showers and thunderstorms in the western half of the circulation.  Thunderstorms just to the east of the center of the circulation are generating some upper level divergence that is pumping out mass to the west and north of the center of circulation.

Tropical Depression 03W will be moving through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification.  It will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature will be near 30°C.  A ridge of high pressure east of the depression is producing easterly flow that is blowing toward the depression.  The flow may be pushing the lower part of the circulation to the west of the middle and upper portions.  Vertical wind shear could be an inhibiting factor.  Some intensification is forecast during the next day or two and the depression could intensify into a tropical storm.

The ridge of the depression is steering it toward the west.  The depression is expected to turn toward the northwest when it reaches the western end of the depression in a day or so.