A tropical depression east of the Philippines is rapidly gathering strength and is on course to impact Macau this weekend, according to the latest updates from regional weather authorities.
The Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) has forecast that tropical storm Wipha is expected to enter within 800 kilometers of Macau early Saturday, prompting the likely issuance of tropical cyclone signal No. 1.
In an update yesterday, the bureau stated that the storm is currently tracking toward the western coast of Guangdong province.
Temperatures in Macau are expected to remain very hot over the coming days, with cloud cover increasing and thundery showers possible as the system draws near.
Winds will likely strengthen as the weekend progresses, with the prospect of gusty showers and a significant uptick in relative humidity, ranging between 60% and 95%.
Hong Kong Observatory meteorologists told the Times, “The tropical cyclone is expected to bring heavy squally showers and thunderstorms to the coast of Guangdong over the weekend and into early next week.” They also emphasized that forecasts remain uncertain, with the storm’s track and intensity still subject to change.
The storm is projected to come within 800 kilometers of Hong Kong between Friday night and early Saturday.
As a result, the Hong Kong Observatory is preparing to issue the No. 1 typhoon signal by late Friday or early Saturday, with the possibility of upgrading to the No. 3 warning later that day.
Regional weather models, including those from the Philippines’ PAGASA, confirm that the depression is currently moving west-northwest at over 20 kilometers per hour and is expected to intensify as it approaches the Luzon region before turning toward the South China Sea.
Officials said they are “closely monitoring” the storm’s development and urge residents to pay close attention to updates and safety advice.
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