The low pressure bearing the symbol Invest 96P (Tropical Low 34U) is operating in the south of the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific. According to the assessment of the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), the low pressure currently has a moderate possibility of developing into a tropical depression or tropical storm in the next 24 hours.
Currently, the low pressure has sustained winds of about 35-45 km/h. Satellite images show that the low pressure circulation is gradually strengthening, with strong convective cloud clusters developing.
Data from the Oceansat-3 satellite also recorded a strong wind range of 35-45 km/h in the northeast of the system, indicating that the low pressure is intensifying in a region with favorable environmental conditions.
Global tropical depression forecast models are currently relatively consistent that low pressure 96P will move stably westward, instead of shifting southward as in some previous scenarios.
The low pressure is forecast to approach the east coast of Queensland (Australia) from the afternoon of March 19 to the morning of March 20, with the area likely to be directly affected being between Lockhart River and Cooktown.
At the present time, the forecast intensity of the system when approaching the coast may be near a level 1 storm or slightly lower, but experts note that the intensity may still change if environmental conditions continue to be favorable.
If the current low pressure intensity forecast scenario is maintained, the densely populated areas south of Cooktown may only be affected by thunderstorms, instead of strong storms.
Tourists who are or are preparing to visit northern Queensland, Solomon Islands or the South Pacific region should regularly update weather forecasts and information about low pressure 96P.
Proactively monitor flight and sea trip schedules if moving to islands or coastal areas. Limit sea tourism activities, diving or rowing boats when the weather is stormy.
Meanwhile, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the Vietnam Sea Weather Forecast for March 17 shows that most sea areas will have showers and thunderstorms in some places, visibility over 10 km.
In the North and South of the Gulf of Tonkin, easterly to southeast wind level 3-4, waves 0.5-1.5 m high. The area from South Quang Tri to Quang Ngai has northeast to easterly wind level 4, waves 1.0-2.0 m high. The sea area from Gia Lai to Khanh Hoa has northeast wind level 4-5, waves 1.5-2.5 m high; from Lam Dong to Ca Mau, northeast wind level 5, waves 2.0-3.0 m high.
The sea area from Ca Mau to An Giang has level 4 east to southeast wind, waves 1.0-2.0 m high. In the East Sea area, the North East Sea has level 4-5 northeast wind, waves 2.5-3.5 m high; Hoang Sa area, central and southern East Sea, including Truong Sa, level 4-5 northeast wind, waves commonly 1.5-3.0 m high. The Gulf of Thailand has level 3-4 east to southeast wind, waves 0.5-1.5 m high.
According to the monthly climate forecast bulletin nationwide from now April 10, 2026, the possibility of storms or tropical depressions appearing in the East Sea is very low.
Average multi-year statistics show that during this period in the East Sea, there were only about 0.2 storms or tropical depressions, and it hardly directly affected the mainland of Vietnam.
