Typhoon Dujuan forecast to intensify near Japan, not directly toward Korea

A tropical depression east of Guam is expected to develop into Typhoon Dujuan, the year's 25th typhoon, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said Wednesday. Its current forecast track, however, does not point directly at the Korean Peninsula.

Tropical Depression No. 53 was moving through waters east of Guam as of 3 a.m. Wednesday, with a central pressure of 1,000 millibars and maximum wind speeds of 15 meters per second, or 34 miles per hour.

If it develops as forecast, the storm's maximum wind speed will strengthen to 24 meters per second by 3 a.m. Thursday, as its central pressure drops to 990 hectopascals, KMA said.

By 3 a.m. Friday, the storm is expected to reach Category 2 strength, with a central pressure of 980 millibars and maximum winds of 29 meters per second. 

It is forecast to continue intensifying, reaching Category 3 strength by 3 a.m. Saturday, with a central pressure of 970 millibars and maximum winds of 35 meters per second as it moves west-northwest toward waters south of Japan. Maximum winds are forecast to strengthen to 37 meters per second by 3 a.m. Sunday and 39 meters per second by 3 a.m. Monday.

The KMA's current forecast track does not show the typhoon's center heading directly toward the Korean Peninsula. But its path can shift significantly depending on surrounding high-pressure systems, sea surface temperatures and upper-level air currents.

The national weather agency asked the public to check for updated typhoon bulletins as the storm's path and strength remain uncertain.

Dujuan, a name submitted by China, means azalea.

BY JEONG JAE-HONG [[email protected]]