The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting announced that on the morning of 30/7, Super Typhoon Dolphin was located nearly 5,000 km east of Luzon Island, Philippines. It recorded maximum sustained winds of 220 km/h, category 17, with gusts above category 17, making it the strongest super typhoon in the Northwest Pacific this year.

Over the next one to three days, the super typhoon is expected to move west-northwest at approximately 20 km/h, before turning west towards the Fujian - Zhejiang region of China. While the Japan Meteorological Agency predicts the typhoon could strengthen to 216 km/h, and the U.S. Navy suggests it could peak at nearly 270 km/h, both, along with other international meteorological agencies, agree the typhoon will not enter the South China Sea.

Super Typhoon Dolphin's position at noon on 30/7. Photo: NHCMF

Despite not entering the South China Sea, Dolphin's intense circulation is expected to significantly increase wind fields. From now until around 5/8, as the super typhoon approaches the north of Taiwan Island, China, it will draw in the southwest monsoon. This interaction will cause winds in the southern South China Sea to strengthen.

Around 6-7/8, southwest winds across most of the northern, central, and southern South China Sea, including the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, are likely to reach category 6-7. This will result in waves 2-4 m high and rough seas.

The Northwest Pacific region has experienced a series of strong typhoons since the beginning of the year. The South China Sea has recorded two typhoons, Maysak and Noul. Typhoon Maysak, which occurred in early July, caused no human casualties but resulted in significant property damage. It unroofed 96 houses, caused 13 vessels and rafts to drift or sink, and affected approximately 1,100 ha of aquaculture, with total damages estimated at 20 billion dong.

According to meteorological agency forecasts, this year's typhoon season is expected to have a number of typhoons and tropical depressions in the South China Sea similar to or lower than the multi-year average. Nevertheless, these typhoons can be strong, have complex paths, and still pose risks of strong winds at sea, heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides in many areas.

Gia Chinh