News

The 57th session of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee (TC) was held in Manila, Philippines from February 17-20, 2025 with 101 participants from 12 of 14 member countries/regions, representatives from ESCAP and WMO, and observers from various organizations. The session focused on reviewing the 2024 typhoon season, the activities of the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) Tokyo, reports from TC working groups, and planning for future activities.

Key Decisions and Outcomes:

• Election of Officers: Dr. Nathaniel Servando (PAGASA, Philippines) was elected Chairperson, and Dr. In Heejin (KMA, Republic of Korea) Vice-Chairperson. Mr. Tom Evans (NOAA, USA) was appointed AWG Chairperson.

• 2024 Typhoon Season Review: The committee reviewed the 2024 season, noting 26 named tropical cyclones, slightly below the 30-year average. The El Niño event suppressed early season activity, but genesis increased later in the year. The average genesis point showed a northwestward shift compared to the 30-year average.

• RSMC Tokyo Activities: The committee commended RSMC Tokyo's operational activities, including improvements to storm surge prediction models and the utilization of Himawari-8/9 satellite data. Forecast accuracy was reviewed, showing improvements in track and intensity prediction. The committee encouraged further use of ensemble forecasts.

• Working Group Reports: The Working Groups on Meteorology (WGM), Hydrology (WGH), and Disaster Risk Reduction (WGDRR) presented their reports, outlining progress on various projects and making recommendations for future activities. These included enhancing AI applications in forecasting and hydrological modeling, improving early warning systems, and strengthening capacity building. The Training and Research Coordination Group (TRCG) also reported on its activities.

• Typhoon Committee Secretariat (TCS) Report: The TCS reported on its activities in coordinating the committee's work, supporting member activities, and enhancing resource mobilization. The committee acknowledged Macao, China's significant support to the TCS.

• Budget Approval: The committee approved the 2025/2026 budget for the Typhoon Committee Trust Fund (TCTF), allocating funds to various working groups and the TCS.

• Resource Mobilization: The committee recognized the need to improve resource mobilization and requested the TCS to establish a task team to explore mechanisms and guidelines.

• Replacement of Typhoon Names: The committee approved the replacement of the names DOKSURI, SAOLA, and HAIKUI with BORI, SAOBIEN, and TIANMA, respectively. It also approved the retirement of several other names (YAGI, USAGI, EWINIAR, KRATHON, TRAMI, KONG-REY, TORAJI, MAN-YI, and JEBI) and requested relevant members to submit replacement names.

• Future Hosting: The 20th Integrated Workshop will be hosted by Macao, China, and the 21st Integrated Workshop will be hosted in UNCC, Bangkok, Thailand. The 58th TC Annual Session will be hosted by the Republic of Korea and the 59th Session will be hosted by Singapore.