Tropical Storm Khanun Update #5

Tropical Storm Khanun maintains its strength as it moves across the Yellow Sea. The storm was last located approximately 480km south of Jeju Island, South Korea. Maximum sustained winds remain at 95kph with gusts of up to 120kph. Khanun continues to move north northwestward at 25kph.

IR Image from NRLMRY

Khanun brought strong winds with gusts of up to 90kph across the Ryukyu Islands yesterday. Rains of up to 100mm were also reported there. Right now, conditions continue to improve as Khanun quickly moves away from the region. The storm maintains a symmetrical look with good outflow and strong convective activity. However, it should start weakening later today as it encounters cooler waters and stronger wind shear.

Forecast tracks continue to show a landfall in North Korea by Thursday afternoon (tomorrow). However, Khanun will also be passing close to the western coast of South Korea and could also bring rains and strong winds there. Jeju Island should actually begin to see some rains from the outer bands of Khanun later today. Khanun is forecast to make landfall as a weakening Tropical Storm and should rapidly dissipate by Friday as it tracks into North Korea and China.

Meanwhile, Invest 92W 1,000km east of Luzon continues to slowly consolidate. This system now has a LOW chance of development according to JTWC and could become a cyclone in 3 days. Computer models also remains adamant on a development although tracks still vary. However, more model support is showing a possible track that could 92W towards Luzon Strait affecting extreme Northern Luzon and Taiwan by as early as Sunday.

We'll have more updates later this afternoon.
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Issued (2230 UTC) 630am PhT 071812