Tropical Update

The Western Pacific Basin is eerily quiet with no cyclones to speak of. However, we are still watching the remnants of Tropical Depression 13W south of Japan. We have mentioned yesterday how it can still reform especially if the environments improves. Well 13W (or its remnants) is actually looking good today due to that weak wind shear and favorable sea-surface temperatures.

Latest VIS image of 13W from NRLMRY (below) is showing low level clouds that are wrapping into the circulation center--obscured by higher clouds. You can also see some "hot towers" or clouds that are in the higher levels which indicate convective activity trying to restart again.

JTWC is not optimistic with TD 13W, giving it a "LOW" chance of regenerating. Environment remains favorable though within the vicinity of 13W--10kts of shear and sea temperatures of around 26C. We'll continue watching this disturbance.

As for the Philippines, the weak tropical wave from yesterday has already moved into Luzon and Visayas spawning light to moderate rain showers across the region. Rainfall amounts are generally light with around 50mm in 24 hours. ITCZ, on the other hand, is bringing scattered rain for Visayas and especially Mindanao. As always, formation of thunderstorms is possible all throughout the country especially in the afternoon hours.

East Asia is dealing with a LOW moving across Korea today enhancing thunderstorm activity around Eastern China and as far south as the Ryukyus. Rain will move to Korea and Japan today and into tomorrow.

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Issued (0830 UTC) 430pm PhT 081311