The 21st typhoon of the season is expected to dissipate before impacting South Korea
Category: Climate & Environment
Typhoon Atsani, the 21st typhoon of the season, is currently moving northwest at a speed of approximately 65 km/h. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the storm is expected to weaken into a tropical depression within the next 36 hours. As of August 25, 2026, at 3 PM, the typhoon was located about 1,070 km northwest of Guam, with a central pressure of 1002 hPa and maximum sustained winds of 15 m/s (54 km/h).
On August 24, 2026, Typhoon Atsani formed and began its northwestward movement. The name "Atsani," which means "lightning" in Thai, was submitted by Thailand. The KMA reported that the typhoon is currently situated in the waters northwest of Guam and is expected to continue on its path toward the seas southeast of Okinawa, Japan. The KMA forecasts that the storm will weaken significantly, likely dissipating into a tropical depression within 36 hours due to its relatively small size and distance from the Korean Peninsula.
Typhoons are a type of tropical cyclone influenced primarily by heat energy from the sun, which alters weather patterns on Earth. The imbalance of heat energy between the equator and the poles creates conditions conducive to the formation of large convective clouds. Occasionally, these clouds coalesce into a massive low-pressure system, known as a typhoon. The storm draws moisture from the ocean to maintain its strength as it moves poleward, playing a role in balancing Earth's energy distribution.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), typhoons are categorized based on their maximum sustained wind speeds. A storm is classified as a typhoon when its winds exceed 33 m/s. In South Korea and Japan, any tropical depression with maximum winds exceeding 17 m/s is referred to as a typhoon. On average, South Korea is affected by about 3.1 typhoons each year, with approximately 91% of these occurring between July and September.
Typhoons can have devastating impacts on life and property. Historically, the deadliest typhoon recorded in South Korea was Typhoon 3693, which occurred in August 1936, resulting in 1,232 fatalities and 1,646 injuries. The most financially damaging typhoon was Typhoon Rusa in August 2002, causing damage estimated at 5.147 trillion won. Such storms highlight the importance of monitoring and predicting typhoon paths to mitigate potential risks.
In South Korea, typhoons typically approach the country in a pattern influenced by the season. Those arriving in July often track along the western coast, affecting central and northern regions. In August, typhoons tend to move diagonally through the central areas, and those in September usually impact the southern coast. This pattern is important for preparedness and response strategies.
| Typhoon Name | Year | Fatalities | Property Damage (in trillion won) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typhoon 3693 | 1936 | 1,232 | N/A |
| Typhoon Rusa | 2002 | N/A | 5.147 |
| Typhoon Sarah | 1959 | 849 | N/A |
| Typhoon Maemi | 2003 | N/A | 4.223 |
As Typhoon Atsani continues its path toward the waters southeast of Okinawa, its weakening trend suggests that it will not pose a direct threat to South Korea. The KMA will provide updates as the situation evolves, with the next report expected shortly. Monitoring such storms is a continuous effort, and the KMA emphasizes the need for preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.
In examining the history of typhoons, it becomes clear that the potential for loss of life and property remains a pressing concern, underscoring the importance of accurate forecasting and timely warnings. With climate change contributing to increasingly erratic weather patterns, the need for vigilant monitoring and research into typhoon behavior is more important than ever.