Tropical Update

Another quiet day for much of the forecast area. Except for some light rain and snow across Japan and scattered thunderstorms in the Tropics, there's not really much to talk about for today.

IR Image from NRLMRY

A developing low pressure area moving across the Sea of Japan is bringing a mix of rain and snow to parts of Western Honshu. Precipitation from the system will mainly be light and should taper off tomorrow. The same low will usher in slightly colder air for the next 2 days. Meanwhile for China and the rest of East Asia, we're looking at below-normal temperatures with clear weather. Temperatures will rebound by the middle of the week with the next chance of precipitation coming by Wednesday.

As for the Tropics, an upper-level trough continues to bring scattered showers across Eastern Micronesia. This feature should slowly move eastward allowing rains to taper off by tomorrow. The ITCZ, on the other hand, continues to linger near the equator--staying mainly south of Mindanao and primarily affecting Borneo and Sulawesi Islands. Continuous rains in the region have brought nearly 100mm in some areas and another 100mm could likely fall over the next 48 hours. Precipitation is forecast to gradually decrease by the latter part of the week.

PHILIPPINES 3-DAY FORECAST

Forecast graphic NOT OFFICIAL!

Mainly quiet across the country over the next 3 days. Highest chances of seeing rain would be across Northern and Eastern Luzon as a weak front moves on by Tuesday. Not much rain is expected, however. Southern parts of Mindanao also likely to see rain over the next few days as stray showers from the ITCZ may affect areas here from time to time. No large-rain maker in the forecast, though.

Next update will be on Wednesday, March 14.
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Issued (0830 UTC) 430pm PhT 031112