A tropical disturbance east of the Philippines is strengthening and tracking toward South China. Meteorologists warn it may make landfall around July 27, just as temperatures rise across Guangdong Province.
The China Meteorological Administration expects two to three typhoons to form over the Northwest Pacific and South China Sea in the next 10 days, with one likely to affect South China around July 27.
The system in question, Tropical Disturbance 92W, is projected to reach typhoon strength later this week. Steered by the subtropical high-pressure system, it is likely to head toward South China.
Sea surface temperatures across the South China Sea are hovering around 30 °C, providing ideal conditions for further intensification as the storm approaches the coast.
If 92W reaches tropical storm strength, it will be named Noul, the 12th named storm of the year. Forecasters caution that its final intensity and exact track remain uncertain given the long forecast horizon.
Ahead of any potential typhoon impact, Guangdong is set to see rising temperatures. The Guangdong Meteorological Observatory forecasts a heat surge peaking between July 23 and 24.
On July 23, scattered thundershowers and localized heavy downpours are forecast for Shaoguan, Qingyuan, the western Pearl River Delta and western Guangdong, with maximum temperatures elsewhere reaching 32 °C to 36 °C.
On July 24, conditions will be mostly sunny across the province, with highs climbing to 37 °C across most regions.
Guangzhou 7-day weather forecast
Shenzhen 7-day weather forecast
Author | Dong Han
Photos | China Weather, Nanfang Plus
