Four storms are currently active in the North Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, marking the first time in recorded history that such a phenomenon has occurred simultaneously in November, according to weather experts.
The storms, named Yinxing, Toraji, Usagi, and Man-yi, have either recently impacted the Philippines or are approaching the region. Over the past week, these storms have affected the islands and surrounding areas.
Gene Huang, a forecaster from Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration, noted that while typhoons can form in the region year-round, it is unprecedented to see four storms at once in November. The peak typhoon season in the Philippines typically runs from July through October, with an average of 20 tropical storms occurring each year.
Since the tracking of tropical cyclones began in 1961, the highest number recorded simultaneously in the western North Pacific and South China Sea during November has been three, with the most recent occurrence in 2009, as stated by Olivia Shuk-ming Lee, a senior scientific officer at the Hong Kong Observatory.
Huang emphasized that even during the summer months, having four storms at once is unusual, attributing the current weather patterns to deviations from normal conditions.
Scientists have observed that areas of high pressure, which typically trigger tropical storms, are positioned farther north and are persisting longer than usual for this time of year.
While experts have not definitively linked global warming to the increased storm activity this month, they suggest it may be a contributing factor, as sea surface temperatures have been rising and reached record highs last year.
The Philippines has already experienced significant damage and reported over a hundred fatalities due to storms this season.
Typhoon Yinxing struck the Philippines as a Category 4 storm last week, leading to the evacuation of more than 160,000 residents. Typhoon Toraji made landfall on Monday, causing power outages for tens of thousands, according to the nation’s energy department.
As of Wednesday, Toraji was headed towards Hong Kong, prompting the cancellation of kindergarten classes as per the local education bureau.
Usagi is predicted to make landfall on Thursday along the northeastern coast of Luzon, the Philippines' most populated island, according to the country’s office of civil defense. Meanwhile, Man-yi is expected to impact the eastern Philippines over the weekend, as reported by the nation’s weather agency.
On Monday evening, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated that the government is ready to provide assistance to areas affected by the storms, with rescuers already positioned and awaiting the storms' impact.