According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), a tropical depression east of the Philippines has intensified into a storm named Bualoi. The name, provided by Thailand, refers to a traditional Thai dessert. This marks the 20th storm in the northwestern Pacific region so far this year.

As of 7 a.m. on September 24, the storm’s center was located at approximately 9.8°N latitude and 132.4°E longitude, with maximum sustained winds of 75-88 km/h (level 9), gusting up to 102 km/h (level 11). It is moving west-northwest at a speed of about 15 km/h.

The storm is forecast to enter the East Sea late at night on September 26, where it will become Vietnam's 10th tropical storm in 2025.

By 7 a.m. on September 25, Bualoi is expected to reach 11.3°N - 129.7°E, intensifying to level 9-10 with gusts at level 12. By 7 a.m. on September 26, it will likely move to 13.1°N - 124.8°E, sustaining winds at level 10 and gusts at level 12.

By 7 a.m. on September 27, the storm's center is forecast to be at 14.3°N - 118.6°E, officially entering the East Sea with stronger winds at level 11 and gusts at level 14.

Over the next 72 to 120 hours, Bualoi is projected to maintain a rapid pace west-northwestward, accelerating to 20-25 km/h and potentially intensifying further.

Due to Bualoi’s influence, from the night of September 26, the northeastern and central areas of the East Sea will experience gradually increasing wind speeds. Winds are expected to reach level 6-7, increasing to levels 8-9, and peaking at levels 10-11 near the storm’s center. Gusts may reach level 14. Waves could rise between 5 to 7 meters, causing extremely rough seas and posing significant risks to vessels operating in the northern and central regions of the East Sea.

Bao Anh