TROPICAL Storm Halong will strengthen into a Category 1 typhoon late Sunday night or early Monday morning while traveling northeastward across the northern tip of the Philippines.

The Philippines' Northern Luzon should expect strong winds along with intense rain throughout Sunday. Taiwan can also expect wind and rain from the outer bands of the storm.

A long cold front associated with this storm will arch through the East China Sea and across southeast China. Northern Vietnam up through to Shanghai will experience heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Closer to the storm's center, South Korea will also have rain Sunday, with showery weather expected also in North Korea.

A ridge of high pressure will keep Japan dry.

In Australia, a high pressure system will develop across the east coast region, while a cold front moves across the Bass Strait bringing showers to Victoria and Tasmania.

Sydney and Melbourne temperatures will reach the mid teens Celsius. Brisbane will rise into the lower 20s.

Tokyo will also be in lower 20s, while Shanghai will see temperatures climbing to the mid 20s. Seoul will reach the upper teens.