Tropics set to erupt with multiple threats in the West Pacific next week

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

It has been more than five months since the last typhoon roamed the western Pacific; however, that streak may come to an end in early August.

While Tropical Storm Wipha soaks southeastern China and northern Vietnam in the coming days, the west Pacific will become even more active next week with multiple tropical cyclones possible.

Two distinct areas will be the potential breeding grounds for tropical cyclones across the basin next week.

The South China Sea, where Wipha organized this week, could be home to a new tropical cyclone by early next week. This potential cyclone would form in the same area as Wipha and a track toward the west would again result in the highest risk area from southeastern China to northern Vietnam.

Strengthening into a tropical storm or typhoon would be possible depending on where the potential storm organizes and how long it remains over the open water. Another round of heavy rainfall across southeastern China and northern Vietnam shortly after Wipha could lead to devastating flooding and a high risk for mudslides.

Strong winds may impact areas with already saturated ground, which would make those areas more susceptible to tree damage, potentially resulting in power outages and damages to homes and property.

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A second threat area will stretch from the Philippines Sea into the open Pacific Ocean to the southeast of Japan. Very warm ocean water combined with light to moderate wind shear will provide a large area for tropical activity.

Multiple tropical cyclones may form in the area between the Philippines, Mariana Islands and Japan as early as Monday.

Due to the uncertainty of where and how many tropical cyclones will form during this time, anyone with interests in the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea should closely monitor this situation.

Any tropical system developing in this region will be capable of significant strengthening and may become a typhoon or even a super typhoon as it tracks over very warm ocean water.

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