Pacific is the largest ocean of the three: the other two being the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. West Pacific is the busiest basin and could host storms throughout like the last year. In 2019, this ocean remained very active with a total of 29 storms, including 04 super typhoons. This also was the costliest season on record.
Typhoon season as such is considered from 01st May to 31st October. However, there are no official bounds, and basin keeps breaching these dates on either side of the margins. The year 2019 was welcomed with tropical storm Pabuk forming on 01st January and cyclone Phanfone bid farewell which dissipated on 29th Dec. Also, the ocean had the distinction of hosting the first typhoon Wutip rather early in the season on 20th February 2019.
Relatively, 2020 is a late starter but sticking to the normal dates. The first named storm of the season is coming up shortly and this could go on to be the first typhoon as well. A tropical depression(01W) has formed, centered at 10.1N and 128.8E, about 950km ESE (eastsoutheast) of Manila, Philippines. The weather system is tracking nearly northward but will soon change course to initially northwest and later westnorthwest. It is likely to intensify to a typhoon in about 48hrs and thereafter rip through the central Philippines and later the northern parts. The storm will have the potential to raise wind speed in excess of 120kmh with storm surge reaching 10feet or more.
The opener weather systems are well known to throw surprises by defying the timelines, track, and intensity as well. Therefore, they need to watched and tracked continuously for any fresh developments which could possibly be undisclosed to start with. These systems also have bearing on the 'Indian Monsoon' which is just waiting in the wings to unleash anytime soon.
