GPM Flies Over Typhoon Jongdari Twice in Two Days

7/27/18

Having both deepened in central pressure and broadened in precipitation shield, Jongdari is steadily intensifying as it churns towards the southern coast of Japan. In this overflight, the storm has deep convection both near the eye itself and scattered throughout its outer bands, and its maximum sustained winds are approaching 90 knots. It is expected to further intensify over the next 24 hours, reaching Category 3 status before weakening slightly prior to making landfall south of Nagoya. Jongdari will bring heavy rains and strong winds to a heavily-populated region, including the cities of Kyoto and Osaka, which is only now recovering from torrential rains and landslides from earlier this summer.

 

7/26/18

Despite deep convection south of the center of circulation, Typhoon Jongdari otherwise doesn't bear the threatening appearance of some Pacific Typhoons. Its forecast, however, bears out its potential, as it is anticipated to move northward over warm waters over the next three days, intensifying for much of that time as it approaches landfall near Tokyo. The storm is in a favorable region for development with low wind shear and poses a serious threat to a country that has already dealt with flooding, landslides, and record-breaking heat in just the last two months.

Interactive visualization by Matt Lammers (KBRwyle / NASA GSFC)