Sign of Changes Afoot in the NW Pacific - 23rd April 2009 0600z

It has been almost 4 months since there was any tropical activity in the NW Pacific ocean but now there are signs that the basin might be starting to wake. This week has seen two INVEST areas as the reliable ECMWF model has been hinting a typhoon development for the last five days. Watch this space because I don't think it will be long before I'm reporting on the season's first tropical cyclone.

Latest 12z run from ECMWF shows significant tropical development at 240 hours. Image courtesy of ECMWF

Around the World in 80 Trades Premieres Tonight on Channel 4 UK - 9th April 2009

Viewers in UK be sure to watch Around the World in 80 Trades which starts this evening at 10pm on Channel 4. This is the first of a 4 part series in which Conor Woodman travels the world trading unusual products in even more unusual locations with the aim of doubling his initial £25,000 investment.

I spent almost two weeks on location with Conor and the crew as they traversed China filming the second and third episodes. You can see pictures of the shoot here - http://www.typhoonfury.com/Photo%20-%20Video%20gallery/80trades.html

For more information visit the Channel 4 website - http://www.channel4.com/programmes/around-the-world-in-80-trades