Tropical Update

Invest 93W continues to consolidate as it moves westward across the Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, an inverted trough is bringing scattered to widespread rains across Mindanao, impacting the regions devastated by Bopha.

IR Image from NRLMRY

Invest 93W continues to move across the Micronesian Islands and is now located southwest of Pohnpei. The system is showing signs of some improvement with persistent convective activity and improving low-level circulation center. Wind shear in the region has increased a bit which may delay development but overall, 93W could still become a cyclone in the next 3 to 5 days. Computer models are still showing this scenario and while exact track is still too early to pinpoint, there is a chance of the Philippines being impacted by this developing disturbance one way or another.

As for Mindanao, an inverted trough is bringing rain showers and even some thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts will not be too heavy. However, sudden downpours may trigger isolated flashfloods and landslides.

We'll have another update tomorrow.
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Issued (09 UTC) 5pm PhT 122012