Typhoon Dolphin and Typhoon Dogs! 16th December 2008 1100z

A late season tropical storm Dolphin was upgraded to minimal typhoon status with sustained winds of 65kts according to the Japanese Meteorological Agency. Dolphin has changed its course from a westerly to northerly direction sparing the Philippines a hit. The typhoon is due to weaken rapidly over the next few days as it encounters unfavourable conditions.

Since things are pretty quiet at the moment I thought I would post a funny video i shot of some dogs behaving strangely during the eyewall of typhoon Sinlaku which smacked Taiwan in September. Instead of sheltering they decided to run out into the middle of the storm's fury!

Tropical Storm Dolphin Approaching the Philippines Should Spare a Direct Hit - 14th December 2008 1100z

A late season tropical storm has formed in the Pacific ocean near Guam and is now nearing the east coast of the Philippines. The storm was assigned the curious name Dolphin and is estimated to have sustained winds of 45kts according to the Japanese Meteorological Agency. The storm is forecast to strength to 60kts, just shy of typhoon strength.

Current projections take the storm on a preliminary westerly course before it starts to move NW and then NNW sparing the Philippines a direct hit. These forecasts are subject to error so people in the Philippines should continue to keep a close eye on Dolphin.

09z warning for TS Dolphin courtesy of JMA