Growing typhoon activity at mid-latitudes of the western North Pacific

Abstract

Tropical cyclone (TC) best track data from Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) and Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) have been analyzed to investigate long-term intensity variation of typhoons made landfall over the East Asian countries. It is found that the intensity changes for landfalling TCs over recent 36 years are different according to countries and latitude. At higher latitude, larger intensification of TC is found during 36 years. Korea located at mid latitude above 33oN shows the most rapid intensification, while low-latitude countries in Asia show a little intensification (in JTWC data) or even weakening (in RSMC). This demonstrates that higher-latitude countries in Asia are more influenced by the growing intensification of TC. Possible explanations on the reason will be suggested.