Typhoon 13, Dolphin, is maintaining strong intensity as it approaches Japan's Okinawa and Amami regions. After passing near Okinawa, the typhoon is expected to move westward across the East China Sea toward central China. According to the forecast released on the morning of August 6, the likelihood of direct impact on the Korean Peninsula appears low.
As of 7:45 a.m. on August 6, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported that Typhoon 13 was located about 300 kilometers east of Minamidaito Island in Okinawa, moving northwest at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour. The central pressure is 950 hPa, with maximum sustained winds of 40 m/s and gusts reaching 60 m/s. The typhoon has weakened from 'very strong' to 'strong' since the previous day, but the radius of the storm-force winds has expanded from 185 kilometers to 220 kilometers.
The typhoon is expected to approach about 110 kilometers southeast of Okinoerabu Island in Kagoshima Prefecture by 6 a.m. on August 7, and pass about 170 kilometers northwest of Naha around 3 a.m. on August 8. It will then slow down, moving westward across the East China Sea on the 9th and entering central China on the 10th.
There were concerns that if the typhoon turned north in the East China Sea, Kyushu could be in the 'danger semicircle' on the right side of its path. However, the meteorological agency believes the typhoon will not head north and will continue westward. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that there is no expected impact from heavy rain or strong winds in Kumamoto Prefecture, which was affected by an earthquake. Nevertheless, the Japan Meteorological Agency has advised residents to stay updated on future typhoon information due to potential changes in the forecast.
Strong winds and high waves began affecting Okinawa and Amami on August 6, with the peak impact expected on August 7. The maximum wind gusts are forecasted to reach 50 m/s in Okinawa and 35 m/s in Amami on August 6. By August 7, both regions could experience maximum sustained winds of 40 m/s and gusts of 60 m/s. The agency warned of the risk of some houses collapsing due to strong winds and advised residents to seek shelter in sturdy buildings and stay away from windows indoors.
Heavy rainfall is also anticipated. From 6 a.m. on August 6 to 6 a.m. on August 7, the expected rainfall in Okinawa is 200 mm, while Amami and southern Kyushu may see 150 mm. From 6 a.m. on August 7 to 6 a.m. on August 8, the forecast increases to 300 mm in Okinawa and 200 mm in Amami and southern Kyushu. Wave heights are expected to reach 10 meters in Okinawa and Amami. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for storms and high waves in both regions and advised preparedness for landslides on August 7 and 8. Residents in Okinawa are also cautioned about potential storm surges on August 7.
Flight cancellations are already occurring. As of the afternoon of August 5, All Nippon Airways (ANA) has canceled 246 flights primarily on routes to and from Okinawa and Kagoshima from August 6 to 9. Japan Airlines (JAL) has canceled 76 flights on August 6, 145 on August 7, and 11 on August 8.
In Kumamoto Prefecture, which suffered damage from a strong earthquake on July 28, humid air from the typhoon is expected to bring rain or cloudy weather starting August 8. Areas with weakened ground due to the earthquake should be cautious of landslides. Before the rain arrives, a heat wave is expected, with temperatures in Kumamoto exceeding 38 degrees Celsius on August 5 and daytime highs forecasted to remain above 35 degrees Celsius until August 7, with nighttime lows around 30 degrees. The Japan Meteorological Agency has urged vigilance against heat-related illnesses.
Following Typhoon 14, Kujira, Typhoon 15, Chan-hom, has also formed, resulting in a 'triple typhoon' situation with three typhoons active simultaneously. Typhoon 14 is slowly moving northeast in the South China Sea as of the morning of August 6 and is expected to weaken to a tropical depression near the Philippines' Luzon Island later that day, with no direct impact anticipated on Japan.
The large Typhoon 15 is currently moving north-northwest at 30 kilometers per hour near Wake Island as of 6 a.m. on August 6. It is expected to move northwest across the waters east of Japan by August 11. However, the forecast path has a wide margin of uncertainty, and its trajectory will need to be monitored closely.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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