Tropical depression near the Marianas bringing rains and winds

A tropical disturbance brewing north of the main Mariana Islands has been upgraded this afternoon to Tropical Depression 08W by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. According to National Weather Service Guam chief meteorologist Landon Aydlett, the storm likely will develop, but as of now, is not likely a threat to the Marianas.

However, Tropical Depression 08W is close enough to Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam, that it will cause rains – or, a wetter monsoonal set up – “regionally this weekend and early next week,” according to Mr. Aydlett.

According to a news release from the NWS Guam, Tropical Depression o8W as of 1 p.m. Wednesday was located 380 miles east-northeast of Saipan and 490 miles east-northeast of Guam, moving south at six miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph.

The release states the storm is expected to turn gradually toward the southwest before turning northward. Mr. Aydlett said he is watching its movement closely, saying the storm may already be making the northward turn. It is expected to become a tropical storm by Thursday.

“Residents of the Marianas should keep up to date on all the latest weather forecasts and conditions in the coming days,” the release states. “A strengthening monsoon will bring more showers and gustier winds to Guam and the CNMI this weekend and early next week. While we do not anticipate any direct threats from tropical cyclones at this time, tropical weather activity will remain in a busier phase across the western North Pacific for a couple weeks.”