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Typhoon Kalmaegi Strikes Central Vietnam

Typhoon Kalmaegi struck central Vietnam on early on Thursday.  At 4:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi was located at latitude 13.6°N and longitude 109.9°E which put the center about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Quy Nohn, Vietnam.  Kalmaegi was moving toward the west-northwest at 17 m.p.h. (28 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 951 mb.

The center of Typhoon Kalmaegi made landfall on the coast of central Vietnam near Song Cau early on Thursday.  Kalmaegi was the equivalent of a major hurricane at the time of landfall.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) at the time of landfall.

At the time of landfall winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center center of Typhoon Kalmaegi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Kalmaegi at the time of landfall was 23.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 18.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 42.0.  Typhoon Kalmaegi was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Milton when Milton hit Florida in 2024.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over China.  The high pressure system will steer Kalmaegi toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Kalmaegi will move inland over central Vietnam during the next few hours.  Kalmaegi will then move near the border between Laos and Cambodia.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will continue to bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Vietnam during the next few hours.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will weaken steadily as it moves farther inland over Southeast Asia.  Kalmaegi will also drop heavy rain over southern Laos, Cambodia, and northern Thailand.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Fung-wong continued to strengthen gradually east of Yap.  At 4:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Fung-wong was located at latitude 9.9°N and longitude 140.62E which put the center about 170 miles (280 km) east of Yap.  Fung-wong was moving toward the west-northwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 992 mb.  Tropical Storm Fung-wong is forecast to intensify to a typhoon.

Typhoon Kalmaegi Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Typhoon Kalmaegi intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane east of Vietnam on Wednesday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi was located at latitude 13.4°N and longitude 113.6°E which put the center about 335 miles (540 km) east-southeast of Quy Nohn, Vietnam.  Kalmaegi was moving toward the west-northwest at 21 m.p.h. (33 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (235 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 960 mb.

Typhoon Kalmaegi continued to strengthen on Wednesday as it moved over the South China Sea east of Vietnam.  A small circular eye was at the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi.  Storms near the center of Kalmaegi generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Typhoon Kalmaegi was relatively small. Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Kalmaegi was 20.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 12.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 33.1.  Typhoon Kalmaegi was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Delta when Delta hit Louisiana in 2020.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours.  Kalmaegi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge that is over China.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  There is drier air to the north of Kalmaegi.  Typhoon Kalmaegi could intensify during the next 18 hours if the drier air remains north of the typhoon.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over China.  The high pressure system will steer Kalmaegi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Kalmaegi will reach the coast of central Vietnam in 18 hours.

The center of Typhoon Kalmaegi is likely to make landfall on the coast of Vietnam near Quy Nohn.  Kalmaegi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Vietnam.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.  Typhoon Kalmaegi could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along parts of the coast.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will also drop heavy rain over southern Laos, Cambodia, and northern Thailand.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Depression 32W strengthened to Tropical Storm Fung-wong east of Yap.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Fung-wong was located at latitude 9.7°N and longitude 140.6°E which put the center about 190 miles (305 km) east of Yap.  Fung-wong was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 Fung-wong is forecast to intensify to a typhoon.

Typhoon Kalmaegi Moves over South China Sea

Typhoon Kalmaegi moved over the South China Sea on Wednesday.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi was located at latitude 12.7°N and longitude 115.2°E which put the center about 450 miles (725 km) east-southeast of Quy Nohn, Vietnam.  Kalmaegi was moving toward the west-northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 970 mb.

Typhoon Kalmaegi strengthened again on Wednesday as it moved over the South China Sea.  A new, small circular eye formed at the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi.  Storms near the center of Kalmaegi generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Typhoon Kalmaegi was relatively small.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center of Typhoon Kalmaegi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Kalmaegi was 17.8.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 12.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 29.8.  Typhoon Kalmaegi was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Sally when Sally hit South Alabama in 2020.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Kalmaegi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge that is over China.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  There is drier air to the north of Kalmaegi.  Typhoon Kalmaegi could intensify during the next 24 hours if the drier air remains north of the typhoon.  Kalmaegi could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over China.  The high pressure system will steer Kalmaegi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Typhoon Kalmaegi will reach the coast of central Vietnam in 24 hours.

The center of Typhoon Kalmaegi is likely to make landfall on the coast of Vietnam near Quy Nohn.  Kalmaegi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to central Vietnam.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.  Typhoon Kalmaegi could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along parts of the coast.

Typhoon Kalmaegi will also drop heavy rain over southern Laos, Cambodia, and northern Thailand.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 32W  was slowly becoming more organized east of Yap.  At 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression 32W was located at latitude 8.9°N and longitude 142.3°E which put the center about 300 miles (485 km) east of Yap.  The tropical depression was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 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.  It is forecast to strengthen.

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi Forms East of the Philippines

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines on Saturday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Kalmaegi was located at latitude 10.4°N and longitude 136.7°E which put the center about 75 miles (120 km) northwest of Yap.  Kalmaegi was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 1001 mb.

A low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines strengthened on Saturday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Kalmaegi.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Kalmaegi exhibited more organization on Saturday.  New thunderstorms formed near the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Thunderstorms also developed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Kalmaegi.  Storms near the center of Kalmaegi started to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface to pressure to start to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Kalmaegi was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 50 miles (85 km) from the center of Kalmaegi’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Kalmaegi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Kalmaegi’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Kalmaegi will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Kalmaegi could strengthen to a typhoon on Sunday.

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Kalmaegi toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Kalmaegi will pass north of Palau in 12 hours.  Kalmaegi will approach the Philippines in 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Kalmaegi is likely to be a typhoon when it reaches the Philippines.  Kalmaegi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the central Philippines.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Usagi Hits Northern Luzon

Typhoon Usagi hit northern Luzon on Wednesday night.  At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Typhoon Usagi was located at latitude 17.6°N and longitude 122.7°E which put the center about 1205 miles (195 km) southeast of Aparri, Philippines.  Usagi was moving toward the northwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 185 m.p.h. (295 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 915 mb.

Typhoon Usagi rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale east of Luzon on Wednesday.  A small circular eye with a diameter of 5 miles (8 km) was at the center of Usagi’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the core of Typhoon Usagi.  Storms near the core of Usagi generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the typhoon in all directions.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the existing eye and eyewall at the center of Usagi’s circulation during Wednesday evening and concentric eyewalls could be forming.

The circulation around Typhoon Usagi was small.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Usagi’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center of Typhoon Usagi.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Usagi was 31.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.4 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 41.0 . Typhoon Usagi was similar in size to Hurricane Ida when Ida hit Louisiana in 2021.  Usagi was not as big as Ida was.

Typhoon Usagi will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Usagi toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Typhoon Usagi will move across northeast Luzon during the next few hours.

Typhoon Usagi will bring strong winds and heavy rain to northern Luzon.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods and mudslides in some locations.  Usagi could cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet ( 4 meters) on the coast of northeastern Luzon.  The area likely to be hit by Usagi was just hit by Typhoon Toraji a few days ago.  Typhoon Usagi will complicate recovery efforts in Luzon.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Storm Toraji weakened to a tropical depression south of Hong Kong, and Tropical Storm Man-yi was moved north of Yap.

At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Depression Toraji was located at latitude 21.0°N and longitude 113.9°E which put the center about 90 miles (145 km) south of Hong Kong.  Toraji was moving toward the west-southwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 1005 mb.

At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Man-yi was located at latitude 11.1°N and longitude 137.0°E which put the center about 120 miles (195 km) north of Yap. Man-yi was moving toward the west-southwest at 20 m.p.h. (32 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 1000 mb.

Tropical Depression Forms Southeast of Yap

A tropical depression formed over the Western North Pacific Ocean southeast of Yap on Sunday morning. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Depression 17W was located at latitude 7.2°N and longitude 139.9°E which put it about 205 miles (320 km) southeast of Yap. The tropical depression was moving toward the west-northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 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.

More thunderstorms formed in a low pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean southeast of Yap on Sunday morning and both the Japan Meteorological Agency and the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center designated the system as a tropical depression. The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Depression 17W was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of the tropical depression. Bands in the eastern side of Tropical Depression 17W consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Tropical Depression 17W was moving under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The upper level ridge was producing easterly wind that were blowing toward the top of the tropical depression’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear. The moderate vertical wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Tropical Depression 17W will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. The tropical depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. However, the upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear probably will not be strong enough to prevent some strengthening. Tropical Depression 17W is likely to gradually intensify to a tropical storm during the next 48 hours.

Tropical Depression 17W will move south of an upper high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer the tropical depression toward the west during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression 17W will move south of Yap.

Typhoon Doksuri Moves over Taiwan Strait

Typhoon Doksuri moved over the Taiwan Strait on Thursday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Doksuri was located at latitude 22.3°N and longitude 119.0°E which put it about 170 miles (275 km) south-southeast of Xiamen China. Doksuri was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 943 mb.

Radar images from Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau showed clearly that there were concentric eyewalls at the core of Typhoon Doksuri. A small circular eye with a diameter of 7 miles (11 km) was at the center of Doksuri’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. The inner eyewall was surrounded by a relatively clear area, sometimes called a moat. A much larger, outer eyewall with a diameter of 60 miles (95 km) surrounded the inner eyewall and the moat. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the concentric eyewalls. Storms in the concentric eyewalls generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon.

Both the inner and outer eyewalls of Typhoon Doksuri were over the Taiwan Strait. Mountains in Taiwan were deflecting some of the wind circulating around the eastern side of Doksuri, and the core of circulation tightened up a little. Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Doksuri’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Doksuri was 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 17.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 39.2. Typhoon Doksuri was bigger and stronger than Hurricane Delta when Delta hit Louisiana in 2020. Doksuri was capable of causing regional severe damage.

Typhoon Doksuri will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Doksuri will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31˚C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. However, the concentric eyewalls at the center of Typhoon Doksuri will inhibit intensification. Doksuri could weaken if the inner eye and eyewall dissipate. If the inner eye and eyewall remain intact, then Typhoon Doksuri could strengthen during the next 12 hours.

Typhoon Doksuri will move around the western side of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Doksuri toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Typhoon Doksuri will approach the east coast of China near Xiamen in 24 hours. Doksuri will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Fujian. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Typhoon Doksuri could also cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along the coast of Fujian.

Bands in the eastern side of Typhoon Doksuri will continue to drop heavy rain on parts of Taiwan during the next 24 hours. The heaviest rain will fall initially on the eastern side of mountains where the winds around Doksuri will push air up the slopes. Heavy rain could fall on the western sides of mountains when Typhoon Doksuri moves farther north and the wind over Taiwan blows from the south. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, a new tropical depression formed east of the Philippines. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Depression 06W was located at latitude 12.7°N and longitude 137.5°E which put it about 170 miles (275 km) northwest of Yap. The tropical depression was moving toward the west-northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 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 1003 mb. Tropical Depression 06W is forecast to move toward the Ryukyu Islands and to strengthen to a typhoon.

Malakas Intensifies to a Typhoon North of Yap

Former Tropical Storm Malakas intensified to a typhoon north of Yap on Monday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Malakas was located at latitude 14.5°N and longitude 135.6°E which put it about 365 miles (585 km) north-northwest of Yap. Malakas was moving toward the north-northwest at 9 m.p.h (15 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 976 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Malakas intensified to a typhoon on Monday over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western, southern and eastern sides of the center of Malakas. An eyewall appeared to be forming, but the rainband had not yet wrapped completely around the northern side of the center of circulation. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Malakas. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the typhoon. Winds to typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Malakas. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 250 miles (400 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Malakas will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Malakas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Malakas’ circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be large enough to prevent strengthening. Typhoon Malakas will intensify during the next 36 hours. Malakas could intensify more rapidly after an inner core with an eye and an eyewall develops. Typhoon Malakas could strengthen to a the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Malakas will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next several days. The high pressure system will steer Malakas toward the north during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Typhoon Malakas will remain west of the Marianas during the next several days. Malakas will move toward the northeast after it moves around the western end of the high pressure system. Typhoon Malakas could approach Iwo To in three days.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression Megi dropped heavy rain over the central Philippines. There were reports of mudslides and casualties caused by the heavy rain. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression Megi was located at latitude 11.3°N and longitude 124.0°E which put it about 40 miles (65 km) south-southeast of Placer, Philippines. Megi was moving toward the northwest at 5 m.p.h (8 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 Storm Malakas Passes Between Guam and Yap

Tropical Storm Malakas passed between Guam and Yap on Saturday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Malakas was located at latitude 12.0°N and longitude 139.7°E which put it about 345 miles (555 km) west of Guam. Malakas was moving toward the northwest at 29 m.p.h (46 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 982 mb.

Tropical Storm Malakas brought gusty winds and heavy rain to Fais on Saturday night as it passed between Guam and Yap. The circulation around Malakas strengthened on Saturday. The heaviest rain was occurring in a band that was wrapping around the southern side of the center of Tropical Storm Malakas. Other bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Malakas. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 130 miles (210 km) from the center of Malakas.

Tropical Storm Malakas will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Malakas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce southeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Malakas’ circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be large enough to prevent strengthening. Tropical Storm Malakas will intensify during the next 36 hours. Malakas could strengthen to a typhoon during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Malakas will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next several days. The high pressure system will steer Malakas toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Malakas will remain west of the Marianas during the next several days. Malakas will move more toward the north when it reaches the western end of the high pressure system. Malakas could approach Iwo To in four days.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Depression 03W strengthened to Tropical Storm Megi near the Philippines. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Megi was located at latitude 11.3°N and longitude 125.9°E which put it about 25 miles (40 km) east of Guiuan, Philippines. Megi was moving toward the northwest at 5 m.p.h (8 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. Tropical Storm Megi could drop heavy rain over Samar and Leyte. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Depression 02W Strengthens to Tropical Storm Malakas

Former Tropical Depression 02W strengthened to Tropical Storm Malakas south of Guam on Thursday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Malakas was located at latitude 5.3°N and longitude 146.2°E which put it about 605 miles (970 km) south of Guam. Malakas was moving toward the northwest at 8 m.p.h (13 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 997 mb.

Tropical Storm Malakas was strengthening on Thursday night. Malakas exhibited more organization on satellite images. More thunderstorms were developing in all parts of the circulation around Tropical Storm Malakas. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Malakas. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the northern half of Malakas’ circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the southern half of the circulation.

Tropical Storm Malakas will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Malakas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Western North Pacific Ocean. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Malakas’ circulation. The winds will also be blowing from the east at most other levels in the troposphere. Since the winds will be blowing from the same direction at different levels, there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Malakas will intensify during the next 36 hours. Malakas could strengthen to a typhoon within the next 48 hours.

Tropical Storm Malakas will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean during the next several days. The high pressure system will steer Malakas toward the northwest. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Malakas could pass between Guam and Yap in 48 hours.