The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) reported that at 8 a.m. today, a tropical depression was located over the eastern waters of the central Philippines. It had maximum sustained winds of 61 km/h, equivalent to level 7, gusting to level 9, and was moving west-northwest at 20 km/h.

By 7 a.m. tomorrow, the tropical depression is expected to be over central Philippines, maintaining its intensity, speed, and direction before entering the South China Sea. The NCHMF forecasts that by 7 a.m. on 26/11, the system will strengthen into a storm over the southeastern waters of the central South China Sea, with maximum sustained winds of level 8, gusting to level 10.

Forecast track of the tropical depression. *Photo: NCHMF*

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) anticipates the tropical depression will enter the South China Sea around 26/11 and intensify into a storm, reaching peak winds of approximately 82 km/h.

Under the influence of the tropical depression, from tomorrow evening, the eastern waters of the central and southern South China Sea will experience strengthening winds of levels 6-8, gusting to level 10, with waves 3-5 m high. From around the night of 26-28/11, the central and southern South China Sea (including the northern waters of the Spratly Islands) could face strong winds of levels 9-10, gusting to level 13. Vessels operating in the danger zone are likely to be affected.

Since the beginning of the year, the South China Sea has recorded 14 storms and 5 tropical depressions, making 2025 the second most active storm year in the past 30 years, surpassed only by 2017 with 20 storms. Storms Wutip, Wipha, Kajiki, Nongfa, Ragasa, Bualoi, Matmo, Fengshen, and Kalmaegi have directly impacted or caused heavy rain and floods in the northern and central regions. Beyond storms, adverse weather patterns have also led to severe floods, particularly in the central and south central coastal areas.

Meteorological agencies forecast that over the next month, the South China Sea could see one or two more storms or tropical depressions, potentially impacting Vietnam's mainland.

Gia Chinh