Tropical Update

Clear weather these past few weeks are making our job easy in terms of forecasting for the Tropics. While SE Asia has been relatively quiet, we are seeing some rain and snow showers to the north in E Asia.

IR Image from NRLMRY

A series of weak low pressure systems is bringing a mix of precipitation across Eastern China, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. It's mostly rain though, except for higher elevations. A line of thunderstorms are also affecting Okinawa and the rest of Ryukyu Islands. Most of the rain should taper off tonight and amounts should range around 30 to 60mm. Temperatures will warm up this weekend before cooling off by the middle of next week.

As for the Tropics, the near-equatorial trough is enhancing thunderstorms across the SE Asia region, particularly across Borneo Island and the Malay Peninsula. Some areas have reported between 50 and 80mm of rain. We expect the same amounts to fall through the next 2 days.

PHILIPPINES 3-DAY FORECAST

Forecast Graphic, NOT OFFICIAL!

The showers from the ITCZ are moving south and missing most of Mindanao leaving the region with mostly clear skies. The Philippines as a whole continue to enjoy that quiet and warm conditions for the past 2 weeks now. Temperatures in the major cities continue to climb in the mid 30s especially during the afternoon. We can only expect warmer temps as winter loses its grip in the region. Not much rain in sight either leaving many places hot and dry. There could be some showers for far southern Mindanao though, particularly near Gen Santos and Cotabato City. Due to the warm conditions, also expect the slight possibility of an isolated thunderstorm or two, especially in the afternoon hours. Aside from that, no major rain-maker in the forecast.

We'll have another update on Monday, March 5.
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Issued (5pm PhT) 09 UTC 030212