2 days ago
1st typhoon of the year forms; JMA anticipates heavy rainfall
The expected path of Typhoon No. 1 as of 9 a.m. on June 12 (Captured from the JMA's website)
The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on June 11 that Typhoon No. 1 has formed over the South China Sea, two weeks later than usual for the first typhoon of the year.
Although Typhoon No. 1 is far from Japan, warm and humid air surrounding it could affect the rain front near the country and cause heavy rain.
The first typhoon of the season usually forms by the end of May each year. However, this year's later appearance marks the fifth-latest since record-keeping began in 1951.
The storm was still advancing over the South China Sea as of noon on June 11, moving slowly west-northwest at a speed of about 20 kph.
It logged a central atmospheric pressure of 994 hectopascals and winds near its center recorded a top speed of 65 kph; its maximum instantaneous wind gust was 90 kph.
Typhoon No. 1 is expected to reach the Chinese mainland between June 14 and 15, and will likely be downgraded to a tropical cyclone by the morning of June 16.
As of now, it is unlikely the storm will approach the Japanese archipelago. However, a JMA official remains wary about the situation.
'Warm, humid air from the typhoon will flow toward Japan, affecting the seasonal rain front near the Kyushu region by June 15,' the official said. 'This could bring heavy rain. Residents in areas already experiencing heavy rain should monitor the latest weather forecasts and remain cautious about potential further rainfall.'
According to the JMA, this year saw a difference in water temperature on the sea surface near the equator where typhoons typically form. This made it easier for downdrafts to develop, which hindered the creation of low-pressure systems that typically lead to typhoons.
The latest-ever formation of the season's first typhoon was July 9, 1998. Annually, an average of 25.1 typhoons develop, with 11.7 nearing Japan and three making landfall.
The delayed forming of Typhoon No. 1 is not related to the total number of annual typhoons or the number that will breach the Japanese archipelago.
The agency asks that the public prepare for the upcoming typhoon season.
