The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting stated that at 9h on 7/8, the center of the tropical depression was in the waters southeast of Bach Long Vi special administrative zone, in the Gulf of Tonkin. Maximum wind speeds reached 49 km/h, level 6, gusting to level 8, and it was moving east at a speed of 5 km/h.
Forecasts indicate that by 9h on 8/8, the tropical depression will be north of Hainan Island (Trung Quoc), with wind speeds of level 6, gusting up two levels. It will shift to a southeast direction at 5 km/h.
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Position of the tropical depression on the morning of 7/8. Photo: NCHMF |
By the morning of 9/8, the tropical depression will continue moving southeast into the waters east of Hainan Island and weaken into a low-pressure area.
International meteorological agencies such as Japan and the US Navy have not yet issued forecasts for this tropical depression.
Due to the tropical depression, the Gulf of Tonkin will experience strong winds of level 6, gusting to level 8, with waves 2-3 m high. Vessels operating in this area are at risk from thunderstorms, whirlwinds, strong winds, and high waves.
This is the second tropical depression to form in the South China Sea within one week. Previously, a tropical depression formed and developed into Typhoon Kujira in the southeastern North South China Sea. However, it quickly changed course towards the Philippines and weakened, not affecting mainland Vietnam. Meteorological agencies believe that the circulation of Super Typhoon Dolphin in the northwest Pacific influenced the wind field, causing Typhoon Kujira to move away from the South China Sea.
Since the beginning of the year, the South China Sea has recorded three typhoons: Maysak, Noul, Kujira, and two tropical depressions. Forecasts for the remainder of the rainy and typhoon season indicate the number of typhoons and tropical depressions may be near or below the multi-year average. However, weather patterns remain complex, with potential risks of heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides.
Gia Chinh
