Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region

Two typhoons will threaten Asia on Thursday. The most significant storm, Typhoon Saola will pass close to the northeastern tip of Taiwan. The typhoon will most likely be a Category 3, with winds of 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts up to 233 kph (145 mph). The storm will likely cause flooding throughout northeastern Taiwan as well as coastal erosion from large waves.

The second storm, Damrey will be much weaker, with minimal typhoon-force winds. It is expected to make landfall in China just to the north of Shanghai.

Elsewhere, Japan will clear out on Thursday as Damrey passes to the southeast of the nation. Mainland China will see heavy monsoon rain across the southern regions. Monsoon rain will extend south into Southeast Asia and eastern India.

Around the equator, the weather will dry out, with rainfall picking up around New Guinea.

Despite pushing deep into the winter season, Australia will remain relatively dry on Thursday, with only the southern region around Melbourne and Tasmania seeing any rainfall.

Read more...