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2015 Pacific typhoon season

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2015 Pacific typhoon season
Season summary map
Seasonal boundaries
First system formedJanuary 2, 2015
Last system dissipatedCurrently active
Strongest storm
NameHigos
 • Maximum winds165 km/h (105 mph)
(10-minute sustained)
 • Lowest pressure940 hPa (mbar)
Seasonal statistics
Total depressions4
Total storms3
Typhoons1
Total fatalities2
Total damage$684,000 (2015 USD)
Pacific typhoon seasons
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

The 2015 Pacific typhoon season is an ongoing event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation, in which tropical cyclones form in the western Pacific Ocean. The season will run throughout 2015, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and October. The scope of this article is limited to the Pacific Ocean to the north of the equator between 100°E and 180th meridian. Within the northwestern Pacific Ocean, there are two separate agencies that assign names to tropical cyclones which can often result in a cyclone having two names. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) will name a tropical cyclone should it be judged to have 10-minute sustained wind speeds of at least 65 km/h (40 mph) anywhere in the basin, whilst the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) assigns names to tropical cyclones which move into or form as a tropical depression in their area of responsibility located between 135°E and 115°E and between 5°N–25°N regardless of whether or not a tropical cyclone has already been given a name by the JMA. Tropical depressions that are monitored by the United States' Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) are given a number with a "W" suffix.

Seasonal forecasts

During each season, several national meteorological services and scientific agencies forecast how many tropical cyclones, tropical storms, and typhoons will form during a season and/or how many tropical cyclones will affect a particular country. These agencies include the Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) Consortium of the University College London, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau.[1][2]

Season summary

The first two months of the season were unusually active and intense. Mekkhala became an early-forming storm of the season and affected the Philippines. The typhoon had affected the Pope's recent visit to the Philippines, mostly because of a decision to depart back to Manila from Tacloban four hours ahead of schedule. Less than a month later, Typhoon Higos had become the easternmost forming Pacific typhoon as well as being among the strongest February typhoons of record. Despite its intensity, Higos did not cause any significant effects over the landmasses and islands on the West Pacific.

Storms

Severe Tropical Storm Mekkhala (Amang)

Severe tropical storm (JMA)
Category 1 typhoon (SSHWS)
 
DurationJanuary 13 – January 20
Peak intensity110 km/h (70 mph) (10-min);
975 hPa (mbar)
Main article: Tropical Storm Mekkhala (2015)

On January 9, the JTWC started to monitor a weak tropical disturbance near Yap. During the next day, the system gained convective activity near the center, as the JMA upgraded the system to a tropical depression early on January 13.[3] At the same time, the JTWC issued a TCFA on the depression. Later that day, the JTWC followed suit, giving the designation 01W. The next day, the JMA upgraded 01W to a tropical storm, receiving the name Mekkhala, although the JTWC didn't upgrade it as it rapidly moved in a westerly direction.[4] On January 15, the PAGASA had reported that Mekkhala had entered the PAR, giving the local name Amang.[5][6][7] The next day, due to an increase of convection and some favorable environments, Mekkhala intensified to a severe tropical storm by the JMA. Later that day, the JTWC instead classified the storm to a minimal typhoon. The JMA followed suit early on January 17.[8] Later that day, land reaction occurred to the storm as both the JMA and JTWC downgraded it to a tropical storm the next day and started to move northwards. On January 18, Mekkhala encountered moderate vertical wind shear as both agencies made their final warning on the system. However, the JMA tracked the system until January 20.

Typhoon Higos

Very strong typhoon (JMA)
Category 4 typhoon (SSHWS)
 
DurationFebruary 6 – February 12
Peak intensity165 km/h (105 mph) (10-min);
940 hPa (mbar)

During February 4, the JTWC started to monitor a tropical disturbance, that had developed within an area marginal for further development to the south of the Marshall Island of Kwajalein.[9] Over the next couple of days the system gradually developed further and was classified as a tropical depression by the JMA during February 6. During the next day, the JMA reported that the depression had intensified into a tropical storm and named Higos.[10] The JTWC simultaneously upgraded the storm to Tropical Storm 02W as it started to intensify under favorable conditions. The next day, both agencies upgraded it to a minimal typhoon. On February 9, Higos underwent rapid deepening until it was classified a Category 4 typhoon according to the JTWC. Shortly after, however, stronger vertical wind shear and drier air quickly weakened Higos to a tropical depression.

At its peak Higos was the strongest Typhoon on record in February since 1970.[11]

Tropical Storm Bavi (Betty)

Tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationMarch 10 – march 19
Peak intensity85 km/h (50 mph) (10-min);
990 hPa (mbar)

On March 9, a westerly disturbance developed into twin troughs on opposite sides of the equator; the one in the Southern Hemisphere ultimately intensified into Cyclone Pam, while the one in the Northern Hemisphere formed into a tropical disturbance over the Marshall Islands. Early the next day, the JMA upgraded it to a tropical depression. The JTWC followed suit on March 11, as they designated it as 03W. Later that day, the JMA upgraded 03W to a tropical storm, naming the system Bavi as its low-level circulation center became exposed for a brief period.[12] Bavi moved in a westerly direction until it reached peak intensity as a strong tropical storm on March 14. The next day, Bavi encountered unfavorable environments due to moderate to high vertical wind shear. On March 17, the PAGASA had reported that Bavi had entered their area, receiving the name Betty.

Swells stemming from Bavi affected parts of Kiribati which was still recovering from damaging king tides produced by Cyclone Pam.[13]

Other storms

The JMA subsequently reported that early on January 2, a tropical depression had developed to the northwest of Brunei, within an area that was marginally favourable for further development.[14][15] Over the next day the system moved into an area of moderate vertical wind shear, with atmospheric convection becoming displaced to the west of the fully exposed low level circulation centre.[16] The system was subsequently last noted by the JMA during January 4, as it dissipated in the South China Sea near the Malaysian-Indonesian border.[17][18][19]

Storm names

International names

See also: Lists of tropical cyclone names and Tropical cyclone naming

Tropical cyclones are named from a set of five naming lists set by the JMA's Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre in Tokyo, Japan, once they reach tropical storm strength.[20] Names are contributed by members of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee. Each of the 14 nations and territories submitted ten names, which are used in alphabetical order, by the official English name of the country.[21] The next 24 names on the naming list are listed here along with their international numeric designation, if they are used.

  • Mekkhala (1501)
  • Higos (1502)
  • Bavi (1503) (active)
  • Maysak (unused)
  • Haishen (unused)
  • Noul (unused)
  • Dolphin (unused)
  • Kujira (unused)
  • Chan-hom (unused)
  • Linfa (unused)
  • Nangka (unused)
  • Soudelor (unused)
  • Molave (unused)
  • Goni (unused)
  • Atsani (unused)
  • Etau (unused)
  • Vamco (unused)
  • Krovanh (unused)
  • Dujuan (unused)
  • Mujigae (unused)
  • Choi-wan (unused)
  • Koppu (unused)
  • Champi (unused)
  • In-Fa (unused)

Philippines

PAGASA uses its own naming scheme for tropical cyclones in their area of responsibility. PAGASA assigns names to tropical depressions that form within their area of responsibility and any tropical cyclone that might move into their area of responsibility. Should the list of names for a given year be exhausted, names will be taken from an auxiliary list, the first ten of which are published each year before the season starts. Names not retired from this list will be used again in the 2019 season. This is the same list used in the 2011 season, with the exception of Betty, Jenny, Marilyn, Perla and Sarah, which replaced Bebeng, Juaning, Mina, Pedring and Sendong. The name Betty is the first time to be used this year.[22]

  • Amang (1501)
  • Betty (1503) (active)
  • Chedeng (unused)
  • Dodong (unused)
  • Egay (unused)
  • Falcon (unused)
  • Goring (unused)
  • Hanna (unused)
  • Ineng (unused)
  • Jenny (unused)
  • Kabayan (unused)
  • Lando (unused)
  • Marilyn (unused)
  • Nonoy (unused)
  • Onyok (unused)
  • Perla (unused)
  • Quiel (unused)
  • Ramon (unused)
  • Sarah (unused)
  • Tisoy (unused)
  • Ursula (unused)
  • Viring (unused)
  • Weng (unused)
  • Yoyoy (unused)
  • Zigzag (unused)

Auxiliary list

  • Abe (unused)
  • Berto (unused)
  • Charo (unused)
  • Dado (unused)
  • Estoy (unused)
  • Felion (unused)
  • Gening (unused)
  • Herman (unused)
  • Irma (unused)
  • Jaime (unused)

Season effects

This table will list all the storms that developed in the northwestern Pacific Ocean west of the International Date Line and north of the equator during 2015. It will include their intensity, duration, name, areas affected, deaths, and damage totals. Classification and intensity values will be based on estimations conducted by the JMA. All damage figures will be in 2015 USD. Damages and deaths from a storm will include when the storm was a precursor wave or an extra tropical low.


Name Dates Peak intensity Areas affected Damage
(USD) 		Deaths Refs
Category Wind speed Pressure
Tropical depression January 2 – 4 Tropical depression Not specified 1006 hPa (29.71 inHg) Brunei, Indonesia None None
Mekkhala (Amang) January 13 – 20 Severe tropical storm 110 km/h (70 mph) 975 hPa (28.79 inHg) Philippines $683,900 2 [23]
Higos February 6 – 12 Typhoon 165 km/h (105 mph) 940 hPa (27.76 inHg) None None None
Bavi (Betty) March 10 – Currently active Tropical Storm 85 km/h (50 mph) 990 hPa (29.23 inHg) Kiribati, Mariana Islands Minor None
Season aggregates
4 systems January 2 – Currently active 165 km/h (105 mph) 940 hPa (27.76 inHg) $683,900 2

See also

References

  1. ^ Ming-Dean Cheng (June 27, 2013). Two to Four Typhoons Tend to Impinge upon Taiwan during 2013 (.doc). Weather Forecast Center (Report). Taiwan: Central Weather Bureau. Retrieved October 1, 2013.
  2. ^ Malano, Vicente B (January 10, 2014). January — June 2014 (Seasonal Climate Outlook). Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Archived from the original on May 7, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
  3. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Advisory for Analysis and Forecast 2015-01-13T21:00:00Z". Japan Meteorological Agency. Retrieved January 12, 2015.
  4. ^ "Guidance – Forecast Track by Numerical Weather Prediction 2015-01-14T06:00:00Z". Japan Meteorological Agency. Retrieved January 14, 2015.
  5. ^ "Tropical storm amang enters PAR, fisher folk in parts of Luzon, Visayas warned". GMA News. January 15, 2015. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
  6. ^ http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/warnings/wp0115.gif
  7. ^ http://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/16/world/pope-philippines-visit-typhoon/index.html
  8. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Prognostic Reasoning 2015-01-17T00:00:00Z". Japan Meteorological Agency. Retrieved January 17, 2015.
  9. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center. "Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans February 5, 2015 00z". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on February 5, 2015. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  10. ^ "Forecast Track by Numerical Weather Prediction 2015-02-07T18:00:00Z". Japan Meteorological Agency. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
  11. ^ "Typhoon Higos Makes History in NW Pacific; Heavy Snow, Floods Pummel Southern Europe". Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  12. ^ "Forecast Track by Numerical Weather Prediction 2015-03-11T18:00:00Z". Japan Meteorological Agency. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  13. ^ Emergency Plan of Action (EPoA) Kiribati: Tropical Cyclone Pam (PDF). International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Report). ReliefWeb. March 16, 2015. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  14. ^ "JMA WWJP25 Warning and Summary January 2, 2015 06z". Japan Meteorological Agency. January 2, 2015. Archived from the original on January 2, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  15. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center. "Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans January 2, 2015 01z". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on January 2, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  16. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center. "Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert Cancellation January 3, 2015 06z". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on January 3, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
  17. ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center. "Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans January 4, 2015 06z". United States Navy, United States Air force. Archived from the original on January 5, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ "JMA WWJP25 Warning and Summary January 4, 2015 06z". Japan Meteorological Agency. January 4, 2015. Archived from the original on January 5, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
  19. ^ "JMA WWJP25 Warning and Summary January 4, 2015 12z". Japan Meteorological Agency. January 4, 2015. Archived from the original on January 5, 2015. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
  20. ^ Gary Padgett. "Monthly Tropical Cyclone summary December 1999". Australian Severe Weather. Archived from the original on May 17, 2008. Retrieved April 20, 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ "Tropical Cyclone names". JMA. Archived from the original on April 2, 2008. Retrieved April 20, 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ "Philippine Tropical cyclone names". Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
  23. ^ "SitRep No. 10 re Effects of Tropical Storm "Amang" (MEKKHALA)" (PDF). National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
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