2023 Pacific typhoon season
The 2023 Pacific typhoon season was the fourth and final consecutive below-average season and became the third-most inactive typhoon season on record in terms of named storms, with just 17 named storms developing, only ahead of 2010 and 1998. Despite the season occurring during an El Niño event, which typically favors activity in the basin, activity was abnormally low. This was primarily due to a consistent period of negative PDO, which typically discourages tropical storm formation in this basin.[1] The season was less active than the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season in terms of named storms, the fourth such season on record, after 2005, 2010 and 2020. The season's number of storms also did not exceed that of the 2023 Pacific hurricane season. Only ten became typhoons, with four strengthening further into super typhoons. However, it was very destructive, primarily due to Typhoon Doksuri which devastated the northern Philippines, Taiwan, and China in July, becoming the costliest typhoon on record as well as the costliest typhoon to hit mainland China, and Typhoon Haikui in September, which devastated China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The season was less active in Southeast Asia, with no tropical storm making landfall in mainland Vietnam (the third since the country's independence, after the 1976 and 2002 seasons).[2][3] The season ran throughout 2023, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and October. The season's first named storm, Sanvu, formed on April 21, while its last named storm, Jelawat, dissipated on December 20. In May, Typhoon Mawar intensified into the first typhoon of the season on May 21, later becoming one of the strongest Northern Hemisphere tropical cyclones on record in May.[4] The scope of this article is limited to the Pacific Ocean to the north of the equator between 100°E and 180th meridian. Within the northwestern Pacific Ocean, there are two agencies which assign names to tropical cyclones which can often result in a cyclone having two names. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)[nb 2] will name a tropical cyclone if it has 10-minute sustained wind speeds of at least 65 km/h (40 mph) anywhere in the basin, while the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) assigns names to tropical cyclones which are active in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), located between 135°E and 115°E and between 5°N–25°N, regardless of whether or not a tropical cyclone has already been given a name by the JMA. Tropical depressions that are monitored by the United States' Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)[nb 3][nb 1] are given a number with a "W" suffix. Seasonal forecasts
During the year, several national meteorological services and scientific agencies forecast how many tropical cyclones, tropical storms, and typhoons will form during a season and/or how many tropical cyclones will affect a particular country. These agencies included the Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) Consortium of University College London, PAGASA and Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau.[10] The first forecast was released by PAGASA on January 13, 2023, in their monthly seasonal climate outlook predicting the first half of 2023. They predicted that only 0–2 tropical cyclones were expected to form or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility between January and March, while 2–4 tropical cyclones are expected to form between April and June. PAGASA also stated that weakening La Niña conditions could last until it transitions back into ENSO-neutral conditions afterwards.[10] On May 5, Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) issued its first forecast for the 2023 season with moderate to strong El Niño expected to develop and persist through October, TSR predicted that tropical activity for 2023 will be above average predicting 29 named storms, 19 typhoons and 13 intense typhoons.[7] The TSR remained constant with their prediction except slightly decreasing the intense typhoon numbers to 12 in the July forecast.[8] In the last August forecast, the TSR increased the number of typhoons and intense typhoons to 20 and 14.[9] Seasonal summary
Early season activityThe season began on March 4 with the formation of a tropical depression which formed near the equator, east of Singapore. The depression was short lived and was last noted three days later. The storm however, brought heavy rainfall across Malaysia, affecting about 50,000 people. A month later on April 7, the JMA began tracking a low-pressure area located in the Philippines Sea. On the same day the JMA classified the system as a tropical depression with the PAGASA naming the system Amang. The depression made three landfalls in Panganiban, Catanduanes; Presentacion, Camarines Sur; and Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, before weakening into a remnant low on April 13. Amang caused minor damage across the country however, no fatalities were reported.[12] Five days after Amang dissipated, the JMA began monitoring another disturbance located near Pohnpei. After slowly intensifying, the system reached tropical storm status and the system was named Sanvu by the JMA; becoming the first named storm in the basin. Sanvu however began to weaken after entering hostile environment. The storm weakened back into a tropical depression until it dissipated on April 25.[13] On May 5, a tropical depression was noted in the Sulu Sea by the JMA. The system crossed Palawan and entered the West Philippine Sea on the same day. The system continued to traverse the South China Sea before dissipating on May 7. On May 19, a tropical depression developed south-southwest of the Chuuk Islands. A few hours later, it became a tropical storm and was named Mawar. On the next day, the JMA upgraded the system to a severe tropical storm, as the storm was getting better defined. A day later, Mawar was classified as a Category 1-equivalent typhoon by the JTWC. The JMA followed suit and designated the system as a Typhoon on the same day; becoming the first typhoon of the year in the basin. Mawar later strengthened into a Category 2-equivalent typhoon on May 22. Then, the storm began to explosively intensify and reached Category 3-equivalent status on the same day. It further strengthened into a Category 4-equivalent super typhoon on the next day as it approached Guam. Land interaction with Guam and an eyewall replacement cycle caused the storm to weaken slightly but eventually restrengthened after passing the northern tip of Guam on May 24. The next day, Mawar completed its eyewall replacement cycle and went on to reach its peak intensity of 295 km/h (185 mph), making it a very strong Category 5-equivalent super typhoon. As Mawar entered the PAR which was named Betty by PAGASA, it encountered cooler oceans and increasing wind shear which caused it to weaken.[14] It also underwent yet another eyewall replacement cycle causing the storm to weaken further. It affected the eastern coast of Luzon and weakened to a severe tropical storm as it left the PAR on June 1. It affected the Okinawa Islands and finally turned extratropical south of Honshu on June 3.[15] On June 5, a low-pressure area was formed north of Palau, naming the system as Invest 98W. At the following day, it intensified and entered the Philippine area of responsibility, prompting PAGASA to name the storm as Chedeng at 08:00 UTC. The JTWC later followed suit and designated it as 03W. At 20:00 UTC, Chedeng was upgraded to a tropical storm, receiving the international name Guchol. Guchol later became a strong Category 2-equivalent typhoon in the Philippine Sea, but the cold wake from Typhoon Mawar kept it from intensifying any further. As Guchol (Chedeng) exited the PAR, it weakened to a severe tropical storm, and continued northeastwards, avoiding the Japanese archipelago.[16] On July 13, A monsoon depression formed near Luzon. PAGASA noted the system and subsequently named the system Dodong. The system then crossed the island. The system then entered the South China Sea, where it became a tropical depression. Later, it became a tropical storm. It was named Talim. Talim moved through the South China Sea as it intensified. Near the coast of China, Talim reached its peak intensity as a Category 2-equivalent typhoon. Talim slightly weakened before making landfall in China at 22:20 CST. About six hours later, Talim entered the Gulf of Tonkin and made a second landfall. On July 18, Talim dissipated inland.[17][18] On July 19, the JMA began tracking a disturbance in the Philippine Sea. On July 21, the JMA noticed it had begun to become more organized and it was upgraded into a tropical storm, with the name given being Doksuri. The PAGASA also noted the formation and gave it the name Egay. On July 23, the system began to intensify rapidly, and achieved typhoon status. Late on July 24, the JTWC classified it as a super typhoon. The next morning the PAGASA did the same thing as on that day it reached its peak of 1 minute sustained winds of 240 km/h (150 mph). Doksuri began to slow as it reached the northern Philippines. With dry air in the area, Doksuri started to undergo an eyewall replacement cycle. As a mid-range Category-4 typhoon, Doksuri made landfall over Fuga Island in Aparri, Cagayan. Hours later, it made another landfall in Dalupiri Island. The storm eventually began to de-intensify following the eyewall replacement. However, as it exited the region on July 27, it began reintensifying. It was now heading toward Taiwan and China with 1 minute sustained winds of 120 mph. On July 28, it made its last landfall in China; however, it rapidly began to weaken. On July 29, Doksuri dissipated inland over China.[19] After Doksuri devastated several countries, JMA announced another formation of a low-pressure area in the Pacific Ocean. The JMA later issued a warning, declaring it as a tropical depression. The system also indicated that the system is in a favorable environment for development. On July 27, the JTWC subsequently issued advisories for the system and classified the system as Tropical Depression 06W. Despite its disorganized structure, both agencies upgraded the system into a tropical storm, with JMA assigning the name Khanun. Khanun later entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), gaining the name Falcon by PAGASA. Tracking northward due to a nearby mid-level subtropical high-pressure area, Khanun intensified into a severe tropical storm. Over 24 hours, its maximum sustained wind speeds grew by 130 km/h (80 mph) and eventually reached a peak of 220 km/h (140 mph), equivalent to Category 4 status on the Saffir–Simpson scale. As it left PAR on August 1, Khanun weakened slightly as it moved move closer to the Ryukyu Islands, battering them with heavy rain and strong winds. Khanun weakened further due to an ongoing eyewall replacement cycle, allowing its eye to grow massively, but degrading its overall structure. Following structural weakening, the JMA and JTWC downgraded Khanun to a severe tropical storm, with estimated winds of 95 km/h (60 mph). After passing north of Tokunoshima, the storm accelerated to the southeast. Satellite imagery showed a consolidating LLCC with formative convective banding and deep convection over the northern semicircle, the storm passed the southwestern island of Kyushu. Around 00:00 UTC on August 10, Khanun made landfall on Geojedo Islands in South Korea with winds of 85 km/h (50 mph). The JMA continued to monitor Khanun as a tropical cyclone until early on August 11. Peak season activityOn August 5, the JMA reported that a low-pressure area had formed east-northeast of Iwo Jima. Environmental conditions were marginally favorable to conduct a tropical cyclogenesis, with warm sea temperatures, low vertical wind shear, and good outflow. Later that day, JMA named the system Lan as it strengthened into a tropical storm. Lan continues to strengthen more to achieve the peak intensity of 220 km/h (140 mph) by JTWC. After reaching its peak intensity, Lan started to track through colder waters, causing the typhoon to weaken significantly. Lan re-strengthened again into a Category-2 typhoon as it strengthened. The storm maintained its overall convective structure, but the waters beneath the cyclone cooled, prompting a quick weakening trend. Around 14:00 UTC on August 14, Lan made landfall on Cape Shionomisaki, Japan. Once inland, Lan weakened into a tropical storm over the region's rough terrain. Lan began to accelerate northeast through Sea of Japan while weakening. JMA declared the system as an extratropical low on August 17. In mid-August, two tropical disturbances were formed on either side of the basin. The first disturbance was recognized east of Taiwan on August 20. On the next day, the second one formed in the open waters of the Western Pacific. PAGASA expected that the low-pressure area near Taiwan would have a low chance of development. However, on the next day, PAGASA later recognized that the disturbance was named Goring after it was upgraded into a tropical depression. Meanwhile, in the open waters of the Pacific, JTWC designated the system as Tropical Depression 08W. While near the Philippines, JTWC gave the identifier for Goring as Tropical Depression 09W. On August 24, 09W was upgraded into a tropical storm, which gave the name Saola by the JMA. Saola began to move southwestwards through the Philippine Sea and continued to intensity to a typhoon. Being in warm sea surface temperature, Saola began to rapidly intensify as it loitered off the coast of Luzon. It reached the intensity of a Category-4 typhoon on August 27. After executing a south-southeastward turn over the Philippine Sea, Saola weakened to a Category-2 typhoon. However, on August 29, Saola regained strength and explosively intensified further into a Category-5 super typhoon. Saola crossed through the Babuyan Islands before it left the Philippine Area of Responsibility a few hours later. Saola remained a powerful super typhoon as it crossed through the South China Sea, and featured a clear and warm eye as it did so. As it drew closer to Hong Kong, Saola was struggling to complete an eyewall replacement cycle, resulting in some slight weakening. Before its approach, the Hong Kong Observatory had issued its Hurricane Signal No. 10 at 20:15 HKT (12:15 UTC), the first time to do so since Typhoon Mangkhut of 2018. On September 1, Saola passed south of Hong Kong and Macau as a mid-Category-4 typhoon, battering with strong winds and heavy rain. Saola weakened into a Category-3 as it made landfall in Guangdong, China on early Saturday. Once inland, Saola began to weaken into a severe tropical storm after landfall. On September 3, all agencies issued their final advisory as Saola dissipated that day. In the open waters of the basin, 08W received the name Damrey as it moved northward. Avoiding the Japanese islands, Damrey intensified into a Category-1 typhoon and severe tropical storm, respectively by the JTWC and JMA, well east of Japan. It then turned post-tropical on August 29. While Saola is exhibiting a counter-clockwise loop east of the Philippines, a new broad low-pressure area developed into a tropical depression on August 27, near the Northern Mariana Islands, while slowly drifting westward. On the next day, JMA immediately named the disturbance as Haikui. The JTWC began issuing advisories for Haikui thereafter and designated it as Tropical Depression 10W. Shortly after being named, Haikui rapidly intensified into a severe tropical storm status a few minutes later. It eventually entered PAR, giving the domestic name Hanna. Before landfall in Taiwan, Haikui strengthened into a Category-3 typhoon due to favorable conditions. Haikui then made landfall, in Taitung County, Taiwan on September 3, became the first typhoon to make landfall in that intensity since Typhoon Megi of 2016. The mountain ranges of Taiwan made it weakened to a Category-1 typhoon. It then moved erratically and made its second landfall in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Haikui weakened significantly and downgraded into a severe tropical storm. On September 5, Haikui made its third and final landfall in Dongshan County, Fujian as a weakening tropical storm. Therefore, JMA and the JTWC made their final advisory as Haikui dissipated on the next day. Overall, Haikui caused 16 deaths and a total of US$2.31 billion worth of damages throughout its lifetime. Just after Haikui strengthened into a tropical storm, another low-pressure area located far east of Guam began to form. On August 30, as the system steadily intensified, the JTWC started issuing advisories and designated the depression as Tropical Depression 11W. While moving northwest, 11W developed into a tropical storm, giving the name Kirogi. On September 2, Kirogi weakened back to a tropical depression. Its remnants would meander near Japan before dissipating on September 6. On September 4, an area of low pressure was formed in the northeast region of PAR. The LPA would later be named Ineng by PAGASA and Yun-yeung which replaced the name Kai-tak. Yun-yeung continued to move northward slowly as it approached central and eastern Japan. Yun-yeung was last noted over Suruga Bay near Shizuoka, Japan. It brought heavy rain across the wide areas of Japan, prompting warnings over the risk of flooding and mudslides. An area of low pressure formed near the Southern Philippines. On September 24, JMA recognized it as a tropical depression as it tracked westward. Around the same day, JTWC designated the system as 13W. It was tracking north-northwestward toward the Vietnam coast. The JMA last tracked the system on September 27. On September 27, a low-pressure area was formed near the Northern Mariana Islands. The JTWC later issued bulletins for any potential development in the upcoming days. It continued to move westwards, entering PAR where it was upgraded into a depression and named Jenny by PAGASA. A few hours later, JTWC gave the identifier for Jenny as Tropical Depression 14W. On the next day, JMA upgraded 14W into a tropical storm, assigning the name Koinu. Koinu moved west-northwestward while it intensified steadily. Being in the warm waters of the Philippine Sea, Koinu was upgraded into a Category-3 typhoon. Koinu weakened into a Category 2 yet it reintensified further into a Category-4 typhoon with 1-minute sustained winds of 220 km/h (140 mph) and a central pressure of 940 hPa (27.76 inHg). This caused Koinu to perform an eyewall replacement cycle, achieving its defined eye-like feature. Koinu then passed dangerously to Lanyu before making its first landfall in Hengchun, Taiwan. After its interaction with land, Koinu weakened again, downgrading to Category-3 strength. As it left PAR, Koinu further weakened into a Category-1 typhoon. As it tracked through the South China Sea, Koinu unexpectedly restrengthened back to Category-3 major typhoon for the second time. Koinu later passed closely to Hong Kong, which prompted the HKO to issue Increasing Storm Signal No. 9 at 19:00 (HKT). It was kept for 4 hours as it moved away from the country. As it moves through unfavorable conditions, Koinu starts to weaken again for the last time to a tropical storm. JMA and JTWC ceased advisories as Koinu dissipated over the coastal waters of Guangdong on October 10. Late season activityA tropical depression was formed near the Federated States of Micronesia on October 6. The depression later gave its identifier from JTWC as Tropical Depression 15W. Although it was disorganized, the system continued to consolidate, and was upgraded into Tropical Storm Bolaven. On October 10, Bolaven was upgraded into a typhoon. The typhoon passed just south of Saipan and the Northern Mariana Islands. Bolaven later underwent explosive intensification in which it went from a 150 km/h (90 mph) Category 1-equivalent typhoon to a 260 km/h (160 mph) Category 5-equivalent super typhoon in 12 hours ending at 00:00 UTC on October 11, after leaving the Mariana Islands. However, shortly after peaking its intensity, Bolaven later weakened as it recurved northeastward. Bolaven then transitioned into an extratropical cyclone which prompted the JTWC to cease their bulletins. On October 13, a low-pressure area developed to the west of the Philippines. Due to the system being over warm waters and low vertical wind shear, a TCFA was announced on October 16. JTWC designated the said disturbance as 16W. On October 18, JMA formally named the system Tropical Storm Sanba as it continues to consolidate. Sanba later made landfall in Hainan on the following day. It weakened into a tropical depression on October 20. After many weeks of inactivity, a tropical depression was formed on November 12. Shortly after, the JTWC issued a TCFA for what was then-Invest 95W. At 15:00 UTC, the agency designated it as 17W. The system was expected to develop into a tropical cyclone but was hindered by easterly wind shear and dry air. On the following day, the JTWC noted that 17W had been dissipated due to the presence of high wind shear as it headed towards the equator. The last tropical cyclone of 2023 was formed east-southeast of Yap on December 13. Conditions for further development remained marginally conductive with sea surface temperatures of 30–31 °C (86–88 °F) and low vertical wind shear. The next day, it entered PAR, which gained the name Kabayan. On December 17, the system intensified into a tropical storm, and attained the name Jelawat. At 09:30 PHT (01:30 UTC) the next day, Jelawat made landfall in Manay, Davao Oriental, weakening into a tropical depression. JTWC later issued its last bulletin on Jelawat, stating that land interaction and lack of humidity had made the depression rapidly weaken. However, on December 20, JMA and JTWC monitored the remnants of the system, stating that it was marginal to regenerate. The JMA continued to observe the remnants until 18:00 UTC. The JTWC remained monitoring the remnants until they formally dissipated on December 22. Jelawat's passage through the Philippines caused heavy rainfall across Mindanao and Visayas. One person went missing while the other one got injured. Jelawat caused $43,200 thousand worth of damages throughout its onslaught. SystemsTropical Depression Amang
On April 7, the JMA began to monitor a low-pressure area in the Philippine Sea.[20] A strong convection to the north of the system's low-level circulation center (LLCC) prompted the JTWC to issue a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA) on the disturbance as it tracked west-northwestwards into a favorable environment for further development.[21] Later that day, the JMA and the PAGASA classified the storm as a tropical depression.[22][23] As the storm formed within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the depression received the name Amang.[23] Amang made its first landfall over Panganiban, Catanduanes around 23:00 PHT (15:00 UTC) on April 11.[24] Later the next day, the PAGASA reported that Amang had made a second landfall in Presentacion, Camarines Sur and later made its third landfall in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur.[25] Upon land interaction, the JTWC canceled its TCFA, stating that Amang was in an unfavorable environment which had dry air and wind shear.[26] PAGASA would issue its last advisory on Amang, downgraded the storm to a remnant low on April 13.[27] Agricultural damages caused by the storm were estimated at ₱50.84 million (US$923 thousand), affecting 1,569 farmers and 1,330 ha (3,300 acres) of land.[28] 1,918 passengers were stranded in the Bicol Region following sea travel suspensions.[29] On April 13, classes up to senior high school in 19 areas were suspended due to bad weather, along with pre-elementary classes in areas under Signal No. 1.[30] Tropical Storm Sanvu
An area of convection monitored by the JTWC spawned south-southeast of Pohnpei on April 18.[31] The JMA later classified the disturbance as a tropical depression the following day,[32] before the JTWC followed suit and designated the system 01W.[33] On April 20, the depression further intensified to a tropical storm, according to the JTWC,[34] after convection and rainbands strengthened over the LLCC.[35] The JMA subsequently upgraded its status by 6:00 UTC, and gave the name Sanvu to the storm.[36] After reaching its peak intensity early on April 21, Sanvu began to weaken afterward due to clusters of convection on its northeast quadrant absorbing its energy.[37] By April 22, Sanvu's poor, ragged structure of its circulation center prompted the JTWC to cease issuing bulletins on the storm as it was downgraded to a tropical depression.[38] The JMA cancelled advisories on the storm the same day as well.[39] The JMA tracked the system until 00:00 UTC of April 25.[40] The JTWC reported that Sanvu's remnants had dissipated on April 26.[41] Typhoon Mawar (Betty)
On May 17, a weak LLCC located 865 km (535 mi) south of Guam was marked by the JTWC.[42] Thunderstorms around the LLCC soon became very wide and organization had improved,[43] before the JMA upgraded the system to a tropical depression on May 19.[44] JTWC later designated the depression as 02W.[45] The same day, the depression became a tropical storm, receiving the name Mawar.[46] The JMA further upgraded the storm to severe tropical storm status at 00:00 UTC of May 21,[47] as the deep convection in the central dense overcast (CDO) completely obscured the LLCC.[48] Mawar later became a typhoon on the same day.[49] Mawar further became a super typhoon and underwent an eyewall replacement cycle.[50][51] During May 24, the center of Mawar passed through the northern tip of Guam, and slightly weakened.[52] After passing north of and impacting Guam, Mawar later restrengthen and became a Category 5-equivalent super typhoon, attaining 1-minute sustained winds of 295 km/h (185 mph).[53] It then entered PAR, which PAGASA assigned the local name Betty.[54] Mawar slightly weakened moving around the southwestern edge of the subtropical high, with JMA downgraded the system into severe tropical storm status.[55] Mawar further downgraded into a tropical storm as it approached Okinawa.[56] On June 3, Mawar transitioned into an extratropical cyclone south of Honshu, as it moved towards the open Pacific.[57] Power outages began affecting parts of Guam on May 22 as winds from Mawar intensified.[58] Guam International Airport also recorded winds up to 104.7 miles per hour (168.5 km/h) as Mawar impacted the island.[59][60] Mawar passed north of the island as a Category 4-equivalent typhoon on May 24, bringing hurricane-force winds and heavy rain marking as the strongest storm to affect the island since Typhoon Pongsona in 2002.[61][62] Typhoon Guchol (Chedeng)
In the first weeks of June, a low-pressure area formed north of Palau, with the JTWC designating the system as Invest 98W, for a potential tropical cyclone development. JTWC later issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert regarding with the system. The low-pressure area north of Palau then developed into a tropical depression late on June 5.[63] At the following day, it intensified and entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility, prompting the PAGASA to name it as Chedeng at 08:00 UTC.[64] The JTWC later followed suit and designated it as 03W, when the system had possessed nascent bands spiraling in all quadrants.[65] At 20:00 UTC, Chedeng was upgraded into a tropical storm, attaining the name Guchol. Guchol slightly intensified and later became a strong Category 2 typhoon in the Philippine Sea with its peak intensity of 10-minute sustained winds of 150 km/h (90 mph), but the cold wake from Typhoon Mawar kept it from intensifying any further. As Guchol (Chedeng) exited the PAR, it weakened into a severe tropical storm, and continued northeastwards, avoiding the Japanese archipelago. It then became extratropical on June 12. Guchol had minimal impact. However, it enhanced the southwest monsoon during its presence inside the PAR, resulting in widespread heavy rains over the western portions of Luzon.[16] Severe Tropical Storm Talim (Dodong)
On July 12, an area of low-pressure was noted off the coast of Aurora, Philippines. JMA later recognized the formation of a tropical depression.[66] PAGASA later named the system Dodong as it is inside Philippine Area of Responsibility.[67] It made its first landfall in Dinapigue, Aurora and continued to cross over Cagayan and Isabela. JTWC later designated for the now-tropical depression as 04W.[68] Prior exiting PAR, JMA subsequently named Talim as it intensified into a tropical storm.[69][70][71] The system had a broad LLCC with deep convection persisting along the western and southern periphery.[72] Talim continues to intensify in the South China Sea, later being strengthen into a severe tropical storm as it moves westward within a favorable environment being offset by equatorward outflow. JTWC later upgraded into a Category 2-equivalent typhoon with winds of around 155 km/h (100 mph).[73][74] Talim made its second landfall in Zhanjiang, Guangdong, with winds of 136 km/h (85 mph) on July 17. As it moved further inland, Talim rapidly weakened. Shortly after the landfall, the JTWC discontinued warnings on the system before it dissipated on the next day.[75] Winds from Talim enhanced the East Asian monsoon over the Philippines and brought heavy rainfall and gusty conditions over the country as it neared Luzon.[76] Classes in three cities and in Cagayan were suspended as the storm crossed Luzon.[77] Agricultural damages are estimated by the NDRRMC at ₱199 million, with infrastructural damages estimated at ₱100 million. In total, the NDRRMC estimates at least ₱299 million (US$5.75 million) in damages due to Talim. Overall, the storm was responsible for 3 deaths.[18] In Vietnam, Talim also caused over 20.7 billion đồng (US$874,782) in damages to properties.[78] Typhoon Doksuri (Egay)
On July 19, JMA began tracking a low pressure area in the Philippine Sea, east of Mindanao.[79] The agency noted its formation into a tropical depression by July 20. JTWC then released a TCFA on the storm later that day.[80] On July 21, the system intensified into a tropical storm and was named Doksuri. The PAGASA also noted the storm's formation and locally named it Egay.[81][82] The JTWC subsequently initiated advisories on the system and classified it as 05W.[83] Doksuri slightly intensified as it tracked northwestward across the following day.[83][84][85] At 12:00 UTC on July 23, Doksuri began to rapidly intensify as it reached super typhoon status over the Philippine Sea.[86][87] Doksuri traversed through the extreme northern Philippines across the night, weakening into a typhoon and later making landfall at Camiguin Island and later in Fuga Island in Aparri, Cagayan.[88][89] Doksuri made a third landfall over Dalupiri Island on July 26, moving very slowly as it did so, dropping massive amounts of rainfall over the Ilocos Region and other parts of Northern Luzon.[90] Doksuri left the PAR at around 10:00 PHT (02:00 UTC) on July 27.[91] Doksuri then began to ensue another round of rapid intensification, forming a pinhole eye[92] Doksuri moved northwestward and subsequently made its fourth and final landfall in Jinjiang, Fujian, with two-minute sustained winds of 180 km/h (50 m/s) on July 28.[93] Doksuri rapidly weakened once inland and dissipated shortly thereafter.[94] Overall, the typhoon was responsible for 137 deaths, 46 missing and 285 injured,[19][95] including 27 people on board the MB Aya Express who were killed when the pump boat capsized and caused $28.4 billion in damage across several countries.[96] The old Quirino bridge in Bantay, Ilocos Sur was severely damaged due to the powerful waters from Abra River, which caused the bridge to surge over the main body, submerging the titles "ONE ILOCOS SUR" inscription that adorned it.[97] Typhoon Khanun (Falcon)
On July 26, the JMA announced the formation of a low-pressure area in the Pacific Ocean. The JMA started warning the system, declaring it a tropical depression.[98][99] Analysis from the JMA indicated that the system was in a favorable environment for development, with warm sea surface temperatures and low vertical wind shear.[100] The JMA and the JTWC upgraded the system to a tropical storm,[101] with the JMA assigning the name Khanun for the system.[102] Khanun consolidating LLCC with formative convective banding and deep convection over the eastern semicircle.[103] Khanun entered the PAR around 03:00 UTC (11:00 PHT) on July 29, and was named Falcon by the PAGASA.[104] Over 24 hours, its maximum sustained wind speeds grew by 130 km/h (80 mph) and eventually reached a peak of 220 km/h (140 mph), equivalent to Category 4 status on the Saffir–Simpson scale.[105][106] Khanun left the PAR at around 03:00 PHT (19:00 UTC) on August 1.[107] Satellite imagery showed a consolidating LLCC with formative convective banding and deep convection over the northern semicircle.[108] Around 00:00 UTC on August 10, Khanun made landfall on Geojedo Islands in South Korea with winds of 85 km/h (50 mph).[109][110] The JMA continued to monitor Khanun as a tropical cyclone until early on August 11.[111] As of August 18, 13 deaths were reported and 16 are reported to have gone missing following the typhoon,[112] another 115 remain injured, and damage totaled at US$126 million.[113] At least 160,000 homes lost power across the island chain.[114][115] Khanun became the first to pass through the Korean Peninsula from south to north since recordkeeping began in 1951.[116] The Korean Central Television reported wind speeds of more than 18 km/h (11 mph) with averaging 181 mm (7.1 in) in Kangwon Province.[117] Although Khanun did not directly affect the Philippines, both Khanun and Typhoon Doksuri enhanced the monsoon for several days, which caused severe flooding throughout the country.[118] Typhoon Lan
On August 5, the JMA reported that a low-pressure area had formed east-northeast of Iwo Jima. Deep convection shifted towards the southeastern semicircle of the circulation, while the still-poorly defined center.[119][120] Environmental conditions were assessed as being marginally conducive for tropical cyclogenesis, with warm sea surface temperatures (SST) near 29–30 °C (84–86 °F) and low vertical wind shear, and good equatorward outflow.[121] At the same time, the JMA upgraded it to a tropical depression, before the JTWC issued a TCFA on the system.[122][123] Later that day, the agency upgraded to a tropical storm,[124] with the JMA assigning the name Lan for the system.[125] Lan continued to strengthen as it turned more westward under the influence of the SST and weak vertical wind shear, the JMA upgraded Lan to a severe tropical storm at 06:00 UTC on August 9 as its maximum sustained winds increased to 95 km/h (60 mph).[126] Lan began to intensify more quickly, reaching typhoon status.[127][128] The JTWC upgraded it to Category 4-equivalent typhoon on August 11 after Dvorak estimates indicated winds of 215 km/h (130 mph).[129] Lan was rapidly decaying as the storm struggled to −60 °C (−76 °F) the cold ring that surrounded the eye.[130] The storm maintained its overall convective structure, but the waters beneath the cyclone cooled, prompting a quick weakening trend.[131][132] Around 19:00 UTC on August 14, Lan made landfall near Cape Shionomisaki in Japan.[133] Lan emerged back over the southern Sea of Japan.[134] The JMA issued its last advisory on Lan, and declared it an extratropical low on August 17.[135] The JMA issued purple heavy rain—the second highest level on a four-tier scale—and landslide warnings for parts of Kyoto Prefecture in Kansai region and Iwate Prefecture in Tōhoku region as of late August 14.[136] Typhoon Lan caused widespread damage. In addition to causing landslides and flooding, the storm also uprooted trees and damaged electrical lines. At least 100,000 homes are without power, and more than 237,000 individuals have been forced from their homes.[137] One person has been reported dead and 64 are reported to have remained injured following the typhoon.[138][139] Typhoon Dora
On August 11, weakening Hurricane Dora moved into the basin from the Central Pacific basin.[140] At 00:00 UTC, August 12, the JMA and the JTWC initiated advisories on Dora, declaring that it had just crossed the International Date Line and classifying it as a typhoon.[141] The cloud tops further warmed and its eye vanished from satellite imagery.[142] Dora showed significant deterioration along the system's northern flank.[143] Dora became increasingly sheared by early August 13, interacting with an upper-level trough.[144] Vertical wind shear exceeded 35 km/h (25 mph). Further decay in the organization of the storm's deep convection caused Dora to be downgraded to a tropical storm.[145] With Dora's ragged center, the system remained disorganized, as wind shear was becoming displaced to the east.[146][147] By the early hours of August 15, both agencies issued their final warnings on Dora; its LLCC further became broad and exposed.[148][149] At 06:00 UTC on August 21 it fully transitioned to a extratropical system, according to the JMA.[150] Both agencies continued tracking Dora until it exited the basin on the next day.[151][152] Typhoon Saola (Goring)
On August 20, an area of convection east of Taiwan began moving southwestwards with little organization over its center. The PAGASA initially expected the system to not develop into a tropical cyclone,[153] but later upgraded it into a tropical depression the next day, and was given the local name of Goring,[154] it was also given a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert by the JTWC, designated as Tropical Depression 09W. Goring then moved generally north-northwestwards across the Philippine Sea. On August 24, Goring was upgraded to a tropical storm by the JTWC, with the JMA following suit a few hours later at 06:00 UTC, receiving the name Saola. Saola continued to intensify and began to move southwestwards over the Philippine Sea east of the Batanes Islands. Saola later began in a process of rapid intensification where it reached into a category-4 typhoon on August 27.[155] After it executed a south-southeastward turn over the Philippine Sea, Saola weakened back into a category-2 typhoon. However, on August 29, it then explosive intensified again into a Category 5-equivalent super typhoon while crossing the northwestern boundaries of the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Saola remained as a powerful super typhoon while approaching Hong Kong and China. Prior to the arrival of the typhoon, Hong Kong Observatory issued Hurricane Signal No. 10 at 20:15 HKT, September 1, the first time in 5 years since Typhoon Mangkhut (Ompong) in 2018.[156] It passed south of Macau and Hong Kong, battering gusty winds and heavy rains. Saola weakened into a Category 3 before making landfall over Guangdong, China.[157] As it moves inland, Saola weakened into severe tropical storm before it dissipated on September 3. Severe Tropical Storm Damrey
On August 21, the JMA started tracking a tropical depression in the open Western Pacific. The JTWC then followed suit on August 23 by upgrading the system into a tropical depression, and designating it as 08W. The JMA later upgraded the system into a tropical storm on August 24, receiving the name Damrey, with the JTWC following suit later on August 25.[158] It gradually intensified as it moves northward, becoming a severe tropical storm and Category 1-equivalent typhoon, by the JMA and the JTWC, respectively, well east of Japan, on August 27. It turned post-tropical on August 29.[citation needed] The remnants of the storm delivered high winds in Alaska, with a 69 mph (111 km/h) wind gust in Potter Marsh and 43 mph (69 km/h) gust at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. High winds hit the Anchorage Bowl on Thursday, knocking out power to thousands as the remnants blow in the Southeastern Alaska. Strong winds downed trees throughout town that hit power lines and caused outages.[159] Typhoon Haikui (Hanna)
Whilst Typhoon Saola was exhibiting a counter-clockwise loop east of the Philippines, a new broad low-pressure area developed into a tropical depression on August 27, near the Northern Mariana Islands, while slowly drifting westward. On August 28, the JMA subsequently upgraded into a tropical storm, naming it as Haikui. The JTWC began initiating advisories thereafter and was designated Tropical Depression 10W. Haikui then later strengthened into a severe tropical storm before entering PAR, where it was locally named Hanna. Haikui continues to move westwards across the Philippine Sea, before finally reaching typhoon status on September 1. Haikui began undergoing rapid intensification by September 3 at least 18 hours before landfall, becoming a strong Category 3 typhoon. It then struck over Taitung County, Taiwan.[160] Due to its land interaction, it weaken back into a minimal Category 1 typhoon before moving erratically over the next few hours, heading eastwards and making a second landfall in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.[161] The JMA then downgraded Haikui back into a severe tropical storm as its circulation became degraded after the landfall. On September 5, Haikui made its final landfall along the coast of Dongshan County, Fujian before it dissipated on September 6.[162] On September 7, the remnants of Typhoon Haikui brought record breaking rainfall to Hong Kong. Hong Kong Observatory recorded 158 millimeters of rain between 11pm and midnight local time, the highest hourly rainfall rate since records began in 1884.[163] Some parts of the city even accumulated over 900 mm of rainfall within just 24 hours.[164] Four people were killed in Hong Kong as a result of the flash floods.[165] Other parts of the Pearl River Delta, including Shenzhen and Macau, were also severely impacted. Tropical Storm Kirogi
On August 29, a low-pressure area located far east of Guam began to develop, being aided by a favorable environment with low wind shear. Over the next day, the JTWC started issuing advisories as it steadily intensified, upgrading the system to a tropical depression, designated as 11W. Slowly intensifying while moving generally northwest, the system developed into a tropical storm, as announced by JTWC, on August 30. JMA followed suit shortly thereafter, giving it the name Kirogi. On September 2, Kirogi would weaken into a tropical depression. Its remnants would meander near Japan, interacting with Tropical Storm Yun-yeung for a few days before dissipating on September 6. In real-time, the JMA assessed Kirogi peaking as a severe tropical storm, however in their post-analysis in November 28, the JMA would state that Kirogi actually peaked as a tropical storm.[166] Tropical Storm Yun-yeung (Ineng)
From the bands of Typhoon Haikui, an area of low pressure formed in the Philippine Sea in early September. The low-pressure area intensified into a tropical depression on September 4 and was later named Ineng by the PAGASA. A day later, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) upgraded Ineng into a tropical storm and was given the name Yun-yeung, which replaced Kai-tak. Shortly after being named, on September 6, Yun-yeung left the PAR at around 06:00 PHT (22:00 UTC). Yun-yeung continued to move northward slowly as it approaches central and eastern Japan. The JMA last noted Yun-yeung on 18:00 UTC of September 8 in Suruga Bay near Shizuoka, Japan. Yun-yeung brought heavy rain across wide areas of Japan, prompting warnings over the risk of flooding and mudslides. Some train lines were impacted in the Kanto region on Friday. JR East suspended some lines and limited express trains on Friday, and multiple lines experienced delays.[167] Tropical Depression 13W
An area of low-pressure formed near the Southern Philippines. On September 24, JMA recognized it as a tropical depression as it tracked westward. Around the same day, JTWC designated the system as 13W. It was tracking north-northwestward toward the Vietnam coast.[168] The JMA last tracked the system on September 27. Flooding occurred in Da Nang, Quảng Trị, Quảng Bình, Bình Định, Thanh Hóa, Nghệ An and Hà Tĩnh.[169] Damage in Vietnam reached 1.048 trillion (US$44.3 million, 2023 USD).[170] Typhoon Koinu (Jenny)
On September 27, a low-pressure system formed near Guam, with the JTWC indicating the potential development of a tropical cyclone in the coming days. It moved westward into the Philippine Sea until it entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility, where it was later upgraded into a tropical depression and gained the name Jenny by the PAGASA.[171] A Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert was then issued for Jenny as it began to show signs of further organization. JTWC later recognized it as Tropical Depression 14W. On September 28, JMA upgraded the system into a tropical storm, giving it the name Koinu which replaced the name Tembin. Koinu moved west-northwestward in the Philippine Sea whilst having its low-level circulation exposed due to wind shear. The system intensified into a Category 1 typhoon by the JTWC. However, rapid intensification ensued, prompted the JTWC to upgrade the system into a Category 3 typhoon. Koinu weakened to Category 2 strength yet reintensified and reached Category 4 whilst nearing Taiwan and moving west-northwestward. Koinu passed dangerously close to Lanyu before making its first landfall on mainland Hengchun, Taiwan, later weakening into a Category 3 storm as it did soon. Koinu then weakened into a Category 1 and later exited the PAR into the South China Sea. Contrary to forecasts, Koinu unexpectedly restrengthened back into a Category 2, reforming a clear visible eye surrounded by a powerful eyewall. Koinu further intensified, regaining Category 3 status east of Guangdong.[172] After re-intensifying, Koinu weakened again for the last time. Dry air intrusion and land interaction caused the system to be downgraded to a tropical storm before reaching Leizhou Peninsula into the Gulf of Tonkin. Both agencies ceased their advisories as Koinu weakened into a remnant low on October 10. Typhoon Bolaven
A tropical depression was marked by the JMA on October 6.[173] The following day, it was designated 15W by the JTWC when flaring convection around its LLCC was persistent enough.[174] Although it was disorganized, the system continued to consolidate, and was subsequently upgraded to Tropical Storm Bolaven.[175] Bolaven then began developing poleward outflow into the southern edge of a tropical upper tropospheric trough cell, with vortical hot towers persisting over the western quadrant.[176] On October 8, the JMA upgraded Bolaven to a severe tropical storm.[177] On October 10, both the JMA and JTWC upgraded Bolaven to a typhoon.[178][179] Bolaven then underwent explosive intensification in which it went from a 150 km/h (90 mph) Category 1-equivalent typhoon to a 260 km/h (160 mph) Category 5-equivalent super typhoon in a 12‑hour period ending at 00:00 UTC on October 11,[180] after leaving the Mariana Islands. Its eye featured the stadium effect at peak intensity. The JTWC estimated that Bolaven peaked with 1-minute sustained winds of 305 km/h (190 mph).[181] Thereafter, Bolaven began to weaken from increased wind shear.[182] Unfavorable conditions began to rapidly weaken Bolaven into below super typhoon strength on October 13, as it recurved northeastward.[183] Bolaven began its extratropical transition on October 14, ceasing the issuance of bulletins from the JTWC.[184] The Mariana Islands were still recovering from the damaging passage of Typhoon Mawar five months earlier as Bolaven approached the archipelago. Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero in response declared a state of emergency on October 8, which was later approved by U.S. President Joe Biden the next day.[185] On October 10, Bolaven moved through the Northern Marianas Islands. Saipan International Airport recorded sustained winds of 89 km/h (55 mph), along with typhoon-force gusts of 126 km/h (78 mph), while in Guam, wind gusts of 80 km/h (50 mph) at Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport were recorded.[186] Businesses in Guam were also closed.[187] The Guam Power Authority reported power outages, though they were able to repair and restore power within 30 minutes. Minor flooding and damage was reported in Inalåhan.[188] The high winds knocked down trees and cut the electricity for the islands of Tinian and Rota, while parts of Saipan also lost power.[189] Bolaven caused turbidity in the water sources of Rota, prompting the issuance of a boil-water advisory.[190] Although the declaration from the Governor of Guam had been approved, it was limited, and no federal aid was provided to the island.[191] Tropical Storm Sanba
On October 13, a low-pressure area developed to the west of the Philippines.[192] Deep convection broadened over its partially-exposed LLCC with weak rainbands. Due to the system being over warm waters and low vertical wind shear, a TCFA was announced on October 16.[193] The following day, the system was marked as a tropical depression by the JMA, east of Vietnam.[194] The JTWC subsequently followed suit, designating it as 16W.[195] Infrared satellite imagery depicted a CDO obscuring the circulation of the ragged tropical depression.[196] It was upgraded to a tropical storm later the next day, receiving the name Sanba.[197] A deep-layer southerly flow began to significantly influence the storm after shearing upper and mid-level clouds.[198] Sanba made landfall on Hainan on October 19.[199] Sanba accelerated north-northeastward, while aided by warm waters, with overshooting tops scattering radially aloft.[200] With an exposed LLCC, Sanba weakened into a tropical depression on October 20.[201] The low pressure area before Sanba caused heavy rainfall and triggered flooding in Central Vietnam, total damage reached 548.64 billion dong (US$23.1 million, 2023 USD).[170] In China, four people were reported dead and total damage reached 5.82 billion yuan (US$804 million, 2023 USD).[202] Tropical Depression 17W
After weeks of inactivity, a tropical depression formed east of Palau on November 12.[203] Although with disorganized and deep convection to the north, the system underwent development from diffluence, low to moderate vertical wind shear, and warm sea surface temperatures of 30 °C (86 °F).[204] Shortly after, the JTWC issued a TCFA for what was then-Invest 95W.[205] At 15:00 UTC, the agency designated it as 17W.[206] As the depression was 330 km (205 mi) of Yap, a small CDO emerged, obscuring the LLCC.[207] However, development was hindered by easterly wind shear and dry air in the mid-level of the troposphere. In addition, the deepest convection was displaced to the western and southern portions of the LLCC.[208] By November 13, the JTWC noted that the system had dissipated due to strong wind shear as it was heading towards the equator.[209] The JMA however, kept monitoring the depression around that time.[210] On November 17, the JMA finally stopped monitoring the system as a tropical depression at 06:00 UTC,[211] labeling it as a low-pressure area.[212] Tropical Storm Jelawat (Kabayan)
On December 13, the JTWC began to monitor an area of convection approximately 1,154 km (717 mi) east-southeast of Yap. The disturbance had convection scattered over the west and south side of a broad LLCC.[213] Later that day, the JMA began monitoring the disturbance, labeling it as a low-pressure area.[214] Conditions for tropical cyclogenesis remained marginally conducive with sea surface temperatures of 30–31 °C (86–88 °F) and low vertical wind shear subdued by westward outflow aloft.[215] On December 15, the JMA recognized the system as a tropical depression.[216] The next day, the depression entered the PAR, resulting in PAGASA naming the depression Kabayan.[217] On December 17, the system had intensified into a tropical storm, earning the name Jelawat from the JMA.[218] At 09:30 PHT (01:30 UTC) the next day, Jelawat made landfall in Manay, Davao Oriental, weakening into a tropical depression.[219] The JTWC later issued its last bulletin on the system, stating that land interaction and lack of humidity had made the depression rapidly weaken.[220] On December 20, the JTWC would begin to monitor the remnants of Jelawat, stating that it was in a marginally favorable environment for regeneration.[221] The JMA would last monitor Jelawat at 18:00 UTC that day.[222] The JTWC would still monitor the remnants until they dissipated on December 22.[223] When Jelawat impacted the Philippines, it would cause heavy rainfall throughout Mindanao and Visayas, resulting in nearly 90,000 people being evacuated. One person would be injured while another would go missing.[224] Jelawat would cause nearly US$40,000 in damages. Other systems
Storm namesWithin the Northwest Pacific Ocean, both the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) assign names to tropical cyclones that develop in the Western Pacific, which can result in a tropical cyclone having two names.[236] The Japan Meteorological Agency's RSMC Tokyo — Typhoon Center assigns international names to tropical cyclones on behalf of the World Meteorological Organization's Typhoon Committee, should they be judged to have 10-minute sustained windspeeds of 65 km/h (40 mph).[237] PAGASA names to tropical cyclones which move into or form as a tropical depression in their area of responsibility located between 135°E and 115°E and between 5°N and 25°N even if the cyclone has had an international name assigned to it.[236] The names of significant tropical cyclones are retired, by both PAGASA and the Typhoon Committee.[237] Should the list of names for the Philippine region be exhausted then names will be taken from an auxiliary list of which the first ten are published each season. Unused names are marked in gray. The names of significant tropical cyclones will be retired by both PAGASA and the Typhoon Committee in the spring of 2024.[237] International namesDuring the season, 17 tropical storms developed in the Western Pacific and 16 of them were named by the JMA once they had 10-minute sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph). The JMA selected the names from a list of 140 names that had been developed by the 14 members nations and territories of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee.[238] During the season, the names Yun-yeung and Koinu were used for the first time after they replaced Kai-tak and Tembin which were retired following the 2017 season.
Other namesIf a tropical cyclone enters the Western Pacific basin from the Eastern and Central Pacific basin (west of 180°E), it will retain the name assigned to it by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC). The following storms were named in this manner. RetirementAt their 56th Session in February 2024, the Typhoon Committee announced that the names Doksuri, Saola and Haikui would be retired from the naming lists for the Western Pacific.[239] Philippines
The 2023 season was tied with both the 1998 and 2010 seasons as the most inactive typhoon season for the Philippines, with only 11 tropical cyclones forming within or crossing the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). During the season, PAGASA used its own naming scheme for the tropical cyclones that either developed within or moved into their self-defined area of responsibility.[240] The names were taken from a list of names, that was last used during 2019 and are scheduled to be used again during 2027.[240] All of the names are the same except Tamaraw and Ugong which replaced the names Tisoy and Ursula after they were retired.[240] RetirementOn January 19, 2024, PAGASA announced that the names Egay and Goring would be retired from the naming list, after they both caused over ₱1 billion in damages to the Philippines. They were replaced on the naming list with the names Emil and Gavino respectively. These new names will first appear in the 2027 season.[241] Season effectsThis table summarizes all the systems that were active in the North Pacific Ocean, west of the International Date Line, during 2023. It also provides an overview of each system's intensity, duration, land areas affected, and any associated deaths or damages..
See also
Notes
References
External linksWikimedia Commons has media related to 2023 Pacific typhoon season.
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