tyfoner

Tyfoner is the Norwegian term for tropical cyclones that form in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. In English usage, these storms are called typhoons when they reach a certain intensity, while similar storms in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific are called hurricanes, and those in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific are called cyclones. The Northwestern Pacific basin experiences the highest activity and often the most destructive typhoons. The plural form tyfoner refers to these storms in general.

Formation and intensity: Typhoons develop from tropical disturbances over warm ocean waters. Required conditions typically include sea surface temperatures above about 26.5 C, abundant moisture, low vertical wind shear, and enough initial organization to sustain deep convection. A system may progress from a tropical depression to a tropical storm, and once sustained winds reach about 119 km/h (74 mph) it is designated a typhoon. In the Western Pacific, advisories are issued by agencies such as the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). The JTWC uses 1-minute sustained winds for intensity estimates, while the JMA uses 10-minute sustained winds. Very strong typhoons can be labeled “super typhoons” by the JTWC.

Impact and monitoring: Tyfoner are closely monitored by national meteorological services and regional centers. They threaten coastlines across the Philippines, Taiwan, China, Japan, and parts of Southeast Asia with strong winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and storm surge. Warning systems and preparedness measures have reduced fatalities in many events, but tyfoner remain a major hazard in the region. Climate variability and ocean warming influence their tracks and intensity, though patterns vary by year.