A dangerous tropical system continues to rapidly strengthen east of the Mariana Islands and is expected to become a powerful typhoon today, with forecasts indicating it could reach Category 5 intensity as it approaches Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan late Sunday into Monday.
Current forecast guidance from both the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) continues to show a significant threat to the islands. While the exact track may still shift slightly, even a small change could determine which island experiences the eyewall and the strongest winds. Regardless, everyone across the Mariana Islands should be preparing now.
The most dangerous conditions are expected from Sunday night through Monday, bringing destructive typhoon-force winds, torrential rainfall, dangerous surf, coastal flooding, and widespread power outages. With parts of the islands still recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku earlier this year, another major storm could place additional stress on already weakened infrastructure.
If you live in Guam or the CNMI, today and Saturday are the time to complete your storm preparations. Continue following updates from the National Weather Service Guam and your local emergency management officials for the latest warnings and evacuation guidance.
🇵🇠Philippines Outlook
Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Henry continues moving away toward southern China, allowing conditions across much of the Philippines to improve through the weekend. Expect a mix of sunshine with isolated afternoon showers in many areas.
Looking into next week, confidence continues to increase that the strengthening typhoon will turn north toward Taiwan or the southern Japanese islands. Even if it stays well north of the Philippines, it is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon (Habagat), increasing rainfall across western Luzon, Palawan, and portions of the Visayas. While much of this rainfall will be beneficial, localized flooding could develop if heavier rain bands persist.
As always, please rely on your local meteorological agencies for official forecasts and warnings. I’ll continue monitoring both tropical systems and provide updates as new information becomes available.
A huge thank you as well to everyone supporting WestPacWx, especially our Super Typhoon Members, and to everyone sharing weather photos in our Panahon Watchers Philippines Facebook group. Your reports help keep the community informed and are greatly appreciated.