Typhoon grows stronger as it approaches the Korean Peninsula... The cause is 'hot seawater'

27~29°C Water Temperature Raises Ocean Heat Content (OHC)
High Sea Temperature Influences Typhoon Development and Intensity

Typically, typhoons are known to weaken as they move northward, but Typhoon No. 6 'Khanun,' which is about to make landfall on the Korean Peninsula, has actually strengthened. Analysis suggests that the heated seawater this summer has intensified the typhoon.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), as of 3 p.m. on the 9th, Khanun's central pressure is 965 hectopascals (hPa), and its maximum wind speed is 37 meters per second. Compared to six hours earlier, the central pressure has dropped and the maximum wind speed has increased, indicating that its power has grown.

On the afternoon of the 9th, Typhoon Khanun, the 6th typhoon of the season, is approaching the Korean Peninsula, and strong waves are raging along the coast of Samdal-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju. [Image source=Yonhap News]

While typhoons generally lose strength as they approach land, Khanun has gained strength as it swept through Japan and heads toward the Korean Peninsula. This is due to the sea surface temperature along the typhoon's path. Currently, the sea temperature is very high at 27 to 29 degrees Celsius, resulting in a large ocean heat content (OHC).

OHC refers to the amount of heat energy contained in a unit volume of seawater with a temperature exceeding 26 degrees Celsius. When OHC deviates from normal levels, it affects sea level rise and typhoon development.

Regarding this, the KMA stated, "The sea surface temperature in the southern sea is about 29 degrees Celsius, indicating a considerable OHC," and added, "Khanun is expected to develop further before making landfall."

Khanun Strikes Japan... Expected to Hit Korean Peninsula on the 10th

Tree fallen in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan due to Typhoon 'Khanun'
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Khanun previously struck the Kyushu region of Japan, causing flooding and storm damage. In some parts of Kyushu, rainfall reached approximately 1000 mm, and rivers overflowed in many areas, submerging roads.

Strong winds exceeding 30 meters per second knocked down electric poles, and train services were suspended. In Kurasaki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, evacuation orders were issued to 19,451 residents across the city.

Khanun is expected to make landfall in South Korea today (the 10th), crossing the Korean Peninsula from east to west and then moving northward.

The KMA forecasts that from the 9th to the 11th, △maximum instantaneous wind speeds along the southern coast of Jeollanam-do and the eastern coast of Gyeongsang will be around 40 meters per second, △in Gangwon Yeongdong, inland Gyeongsang, Honam (excluding the southern coast), western Chungnam, and Jeju, wind speeds will range from 25 to 35 meters per second, △in Incheon, western Gyeonggi, southern Gyeonggi, Gangwon Yeongseo, and inland Chungcheong, wind speeds will be 20 to 30 meters per second, and △in Seoul and northern inland Gyeonggi, wind speeds will reach 15 to 25 meters per second.

Rainfall amounts are expected to be △200 to 400 mm in Gangwon Yeongdong, △100 to 200 mm in Gangwon Yeongseo, the Seoul metropolitan area, the five western islands of the Yellow Sea, and Chungcheong, △100 to 200 mm in Honam (with some areas in the southern coast of Jeollanam-do and eastern inland Jeolla exceeding 300 mm), △100 to 300 mm in Yeongnam (with some areas in western inland Gyeongsang and the Gyeongsang coast exceeding 400 mm), △30 to 80 mm in Ulleungdo and Dokdo, and △100 to 200 mm in Jeju (with mountainous areas exceeding 300 mm).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.