Typhoon Haigao Si Forms, Poses No Threat to China

Typhoon No. 8, named “Haigao Si” (international designation: 2608, JTWC: 08W), formed on the morning of June 23 in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, according to China Weather Network. The tropical storm, located approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Saipan, Guam, is carrying maximum sustained winds of 18 meters per second (Category 8 on the Beaufort scale) with a central pressure of 998 hPa.

Formation and Initial Track

The Central Meteorological Observatory reported that as of 8:00 AM CST, the storm was positioned at 15.4°N, 144.6°E, moving west-northwest at 15 to 20 kilometers per hour. CCTV News confirmed the formation details, noting that the storm is expected to gradually intensify as it moves over warm Pacific waters.

The name “Higos” (海高斯) was contributed by the United States and means “fig” in the Chamorro language, the native language of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Haigao Si is the eighth named storm of the 2026 Pacific typhoon season, which follows the naming convention established by the World Meteorological Organization.

No Impact on China

A follow-up report from the China Weather Network at 6:00 PM confirmed that the typhoon will have no impact on China’s sea areas. The storm is forecast to track toward waters east of Japan, where it may affect shipping lanes and fishing operations in the region.

As of 5:00 PM CST, the storm’s center was located north of Guam at 15.4°N, 144.6°E, maintaining tropical storm intensity with maximum winds of 18 m/s and a minimum central pressure of 998 hPa. The seven-grade wind radius extends 60 to 120 kilometers from the center.

Dual Typhoon Scenario

Haigao Si’s formation creates a notable “dual typhoon” scenario in the northwestern Pacific, as Typhoon No. 7 “Mikla” (Meari) remains active simultaneously. As of 5:00 AM on June 23, Super Typhoon Mikla was located approximately 610 kilometers southeast of Taiwan’s Eluanbi, with maximum winds of 55 m/s (Category 16) and a central pressure of 930 hPa. Mikla is forecast to approach waters southeast of Taiwan before turning northeast toward Japan.

Chinese media have described the simultaneous activity of two typhoons as “双台风共舞” (dual typhoons dancing together), a relatively uncommon meteorological phenomenon that can affect shipping, aviation, and regional weather patterns across the western Pacific.

Regional Weather Context

While Haigao Si poses no direct threat, China is experiencing significant weather activity on multiple fronts. Hainan Province remains under a Level 4 high temperature warning, with temperatures exceeding 37°C in ten cities and counties. Southern China continues to deal with heavy rainfall and flood risks, with multiple weather warnings in effect including blue rainstorm warnings and orange mountain flood warnings. Northern China is experiencing frequent thunderstorms due to a cold vortex system.

Outlook

Meteorologists expect Haigao Si to gradually strengthen as it moves over warm Pacific waters, though it remains a relatively modest tropical storm for now. The typhoon’s projected path toward Japan’s eastern waters means it is unlikely to make landfall, but maritime operators in the region should monitor its progress. The dual typhoon situation, with both Haigao Si and Mikla active simultaneously, will continue to be monitored by meteorological agencies across East Asia.