Philippe maintains its intensity; Hilary to brush the Baja

Tropical Storm Philippe

Tropical Storm Philippe seems to be having difficulty strengthening. For the past day it has maintained a strength of about 60mph. Dry air seems to be the inhibiting factor. Philippe is forecasted to continue its northwestward track with a bend to the north and eventually by Day 5 the northeast. Philippe will only be a shipping hazard.

Hurricane Hilary to barely miss the Baja Peninsula

Hurricane Hilary is a strong Category 3 hurricane this afternoon. Hilary is currently moving to

the west, however she is expected to the make a bend to the north sometime in the next day or

so. Where she essentially makes that bend will determine where she goes. If that turn occurs sooner, the Baja Peninsula may face a hit from a weaker Hilary. However, if it occurs later, the peninsula may not be hit at all. It all depends on when and where that bend occurs. By Day 5, Hilary should weaken to a remnant low due to an unstable atmosphere and very cool waters.

Picture 1: Hilary at peak intensity

Typhoon Nesat about to make landfall on Luzon

A powerful category 1 typhoon in the Western Pacific is about to make landfall on the most populated island of the Philippines. Nesat is a very large and dangerous typhoon with winds of about 90mph. Additional strengthening to a Category 2 typhoon is possible before landfall. Nesat is expected to move onto the island sometime tonight (Eastern Daylight Time/USA) and will take it's time moving off. Since this is such a large storm tremendous flooding is possible. The next target will be Hainan Island. It should hit there as a weak typhoon, but still will produce a large amount of rainfall.

Matt