The two Cyclones KOPPU and CHAMPI have both been upgraded to Tropical Storms. KOPPU/Lando is moving fast at 25 k/h while CHAMPI still hovers at 15 km/h. Both cyclones move west towards the Philippines.

The two Cyclones KOPPU and CHAMPI have intensified and have been upgraded to Tropical Storms. Cyclone KOPPU/Lando is now within PAR, the Philippines Area of Responsibility and is slowly intensifying. A northeasterly vertical wind shear (VWS) prevents a faster intensification. The sea surface waters are about 30 degrees Celsius. It is estimated that Cyclone KOPPU/Lando will be a typhoon Cat.3 or Cat.4 when hitting northern Luzon this weekend.

There is a small chance that Cyclone KOPPU/Lando will bend its track a bit more northwards. A deep subtropical ridge (STR) just north of the cyclone is strongly influencing its position. Depending of the northward outflow of this STR, Cyclone KOPPU/Lando may move more north or south. This outflow also influences the central pressure of the cyclone.

Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) – click to enlarge	Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) – click to enlarge

Tropical Storm CHAMPI is not yet stable but its pressure is decreasing rather fast. We’ll start to track this second storm as soon as a reliable track forecast is possible.

KOPPU/Lando Storm data:

 Nearly real-time storm information

Next update this evening.

[GARD]