Typhoon Nokaen dien bien
According to the latest storm news from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), this afternoon, January 15, a tropical depression operating in the eastern Philippines has strengthened into a storm, becoming storm No. 01 in 2026 in the Northwest Pacific region, with the international name Nokaen.
According to meteorological statistics, compared to the multi-year average, storms appearing in the Northwest Pacific region in January are considered early, but not a rare phenomenon. From 1950 to now, more than 30 storms have been recorded in January.
Forecast of storm path
The Philippine Meteorological Agency (PAGASA) identified the typhoon's center at about 10.3° North latitude, 125.1° East longitude at about 4:00 PM on January 15, about 400 km from Surigao city. The strongest wind near the typhoon's center is about 65 km/h.
NCHMF forecasts that in the next 24 hours, Typhoon Nokaen will move in a North-Northwest direction, at a speed of about 15 km/h and continue to strengthen.
After that, the storm will mainly move in the North direction, along the sea area east of the Philippines.
Due to the East Sea area being affected by the cold air mass, Typhoon Nokaen is almost unlikely to move into Vietnam's East Sea.
According to current forecasts, Typhoon Nokaen is highly likely to weaken and gradually dissipate in the sea area east of the Philippines, around January 20-21, 2026.
The US Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) forecasts that Typhoon Nokaen is likely to strengthen slightly in the next 2 days. After this period, the typhoon is forecast to gradually weaken, due to increased southerly wind cuts and dry air intrusion from the South.
Safety recommendation
Tourists who are planning to go to the Philippines, islands in Visayas, Mindanao or travel on sea routes near the East Sea in the coming days need to closely monitor forecasts of low pressure, tropical depression and storms from local meteorological agencies.
Limit outdoor activities, coastal tours when there is a warning of strong winds and big waves. Follow safety instructions from local authorities and travel agencies.
