Western Pacific Cyclone Upgraded to Tropical Storm (Credit: Meteorologist Jessica Olsen)

Image Courtesy: NOAA

DISCUSSION – Tropical Storm Meari, located in the Western Pacific and is currently seeing maximum ­sustained winds of 55 knots with gusts as high at 70 knots. It is seen about 330 NM West Northwest of Navsta, Guam. As Meari continues to move North Northeastward at approximately 7 knots. Meari is picking up additional energy associated with a quick forming low-level circulation allowing the storm to be fed more energy from the warm moist waters of the western Pacific. All of this is producing a large area of convective activity within the system.
 
Meari is expected to strengthen some as upper-level flow becomes more favorable for outflow coupled with low level wind shear, which will assist in the formation of bands.
 
Meari is not expected to impact any major zones at is nears Guam and the Philippines. As Meari continues in open water strengthening to Typhoon is likely.

~Meteorologist Jessica Olsen

Image Courtesy: HurricaneZone.net