Tyhpoon Bopha takes aim at the Philippines again

Typhoon Bopha, which caused catastrophic damage and over 500 deaths in the Southern Philippines earlier this week, is now set to make landfall again; this time over the island of Luzon (Northern Philippines).  The storm is now much weaker than it was earlier this week and it has weakened significantly Saturday night.  However, there is still a threat of winds over 75 mph and flooding rains over Luzon during the day Sunday.

Most models are showing the storm continuing to weaken later Sunday and into Monday as very dry continental air works its way into the northern quadrant of the system.

WDT WRF model showing heavy rainfall amounts over Luzon through Sunday.

The 2012 West Pacific Typhoon season, which has been very active, will become much less active in the following weeks according to climatology.  Somewhat drier continental air associated with the Northeast Monsoon over Asia will overspread the Philippines throughout the months of January and February.

Forecast track for Typhoon Bopha.

Latest Infrared Satellite Image of Typhoon Bopha (Source: Joint Typhoon Warning Center)